Description
This vibrant Turmeric Soup with Chickpeas, Orzo, and Spinach is a wholesome and comforting Mediterranean-inspired dish. Packed with nourishing ingredients like turmeric, chickpeas, and fresh spinach, this easy stovetop soup offers a perfect blend of earthy spices and fresh flavors, making it an ideal quick dinner option for vegetarians.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauté Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Spices & Broth
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 6 cups vegetable broth
Main Ingredients
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ¾ cup orzo pasta
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of ½ lemon
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and translucent, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, ground turmeric, cumin, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, allowing the spices to bloom and intensify.
- Simmer Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. This forms the flavorful soup base.
- Add Chickpeas and Orzo: Add the drained chickpeas and orzo pasta to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and cooked through.
- Wilt Spinach: Stir in the fresh baby spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes, just until the spinach is wilted and vibrant green.
- Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- Substitute kale for spinach if preferred for a different leafy green option.
- Use brown rice in place of orzo for a gluten-free variation.
- Add cooked shredded chicken for extra protein if you want a non-vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
