Print

Cozy Mediterranean Chickpea Orzo Soup: Easy One-Pot Meal

Mediterranean chickpea orzo soup - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy one-pot soup made with chickpeas, orzo, and a bright lemon finish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this cozy Mediterranean soup is warming, filling, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 6 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • ¾ cup orzo pasta
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and onion is translucent.
  2. Add minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in 6 cups vegetable broth and add drained and rinsed chickpeas. Stir, scraping the bottom of the pot. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  4. Once boiling, stir in ¾ cup orzo. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender but al dente.
  5. Remove pot from heat. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice (about 2-3 tablespoons). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Let soup rest for 5 minutes off the heat to meld flavors.
  7. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and drizzle with extra olive oil if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For meal prep, cook orzo separately and add to individual bowls when serving to prevent it from absorbing all the broth overnight. To freeze, freeze the soup base without orzo and cook fresh orzo when reheating. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating leftovers to thin the soup.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean soup, chickpea orzo soup, one-pot meal, easy soup, vegan soup, healthy soup, comfort food

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/cozy-mediterranean-chickpea-orzo-soup-easy-one-pot-meal/