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Orzo Soup

A traditional Egyptian soup featuring toasted orzo pasta simmered in a spiced chicken broth with a bright splash of lemon juice.

30 minEasyServes 4190 cal/serving

EgyptianSoupStovetopMediterraneanNut-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-FreeShellfish-FreeSesame-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp ghee
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. 1

    Melt 2 tbsp ghee in a medium pot over medium heat.

  2. 2

    Add 1 cup orzo pasta and cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes until golden brown.

  3. 3

    Add 1 small finely diced yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot and cook for 3 minutes until softened.

  4. 4

    Stir in 1/4 tsp ground cardamom, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

  5. 5

    Pour in 6 cups chicken broth and bring the liquid to a boil.

  6. 6

    Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until the orzo is tender.

  7. 7

    Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice, and serve warm.

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Questions

What can I use instead of ghee in Orzo Soup?

The entry for Orzo Soup calls for 2 tbsp ghee. In its place: Use unsalted butter where the heat is moderate, or a neutral oil where it is high. Clarifying butter yourself takes about ten minutes.

Can I make Orzo Soup dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Orzo Soup is 2 tbsp ghee. Swap the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Can I make Orzo Soup gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Orzo Soup is 1 cup orzo pasta. Swap the pasta for a gluten-free one, cooked a minute short of its package time. Everything else proceeds as written.

How many calories are in Orzo Soup?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 190 calories, with 6 g protein, 28 g carbohydrate and 6 g fat, plus 2 g fiber and 650 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

How do I store and reheat Orzo Soup?

Refrigerate Orzo Soup for up to four days, or freeze it in portions for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or stock to loosen it. The orzo will go on swelling in the broth; for the best texture on day two, store that part separately or cook it fresh.

Serve it with

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