Friday, February 01, 2008

Hearty Vegetable Soup with Orzo

Winter has finally arrived. Today, we have school delays and ice on the roads and the wind is making its presence known. There's nothing better on a cold and rainy day than a nice warm bowl of hearty soup. Having a pot simmering away on the stove provides such a warm and homey feeling.

I started with some basic vegetables and then added in some orzo and kale to make it a bit heartier. The lemon thyme and balsamic vinegar added at the end round out the full and tasty flavor of this soup. Go ahead and curl up with a bowl of this delicious soup.

Hearty Vegetable Soup with Orzo

Hearty Vegetable Soup with Orzo
Serves 6

4 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 cup onion, chopped
3 cups zucchini, chopped
3 cups baby bella mushrooms, chopped
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes with italian seasoning
6 cups vegetable stock
1 cup orzo
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 tbsp lemon thyme leaves, minced
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
4 cups kale leaves, stemmed and chopped

Heat up olive oil in large saucepan. Add garlic and saute for 30 seconds. Add onion and zucchini, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, cover and saute for 3 minutes.
Add mushrooms, replace cover, and saute for 3-4 minutes. Add tomatoes and vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Add orzo, lower heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until orzo is tender. Stir in pepper flakes, thyme, balsamic vinegar, and kale, and simmer for an additional minute. Remove from heat and serve.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

looks so good!

Terry at Blue Kitchen said...

This sounds like the perfect "winter has finally arrived" food! It's here in Chicago with a vengeance, with about a foot of snow on the ground since last night. Regarding the kale, I find it easier to just tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces rather than chopping them. Does a minute give the kale enough cooking time? I tend to add it at least ten minutes before calling the soup done.

Fiber said...

Johanna - thanks for the compliment!

Terry - thanks for your tips. Actually, by the time it gets dished up and served, the kale is perfectly cooked. I like mine with a little bit of bite to it, so that actually is about perfect.

Dani Spies said...

This looks delicious!!

Michelle said...

that looks so yummy and comforting!

Anonymous said...

I served it to my husband who is usually not a fan for vegetable types soups, I served it as an appetizer with the annoucement that the meat and potatoes would follow. Much to my amazement he loved the soup and asked for seconds. He is eager to have it again in the near future.

He very much liked the kale, indicating that it added substance and a kick!

I love soups and eat them all year long - keep the tasty soup recipes coming!!

Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) said...

Great soup -- and for those of us who aren't vegetarian, the perfect base to add leftover chicken.