Comforting mushroom lemon orzo soup with tender orzo, fresh herbs, and bright citrus flavor. A cozy, vegan-friendly soup recipe.
🧾 Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- ¾ cup uncooked orzo
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
👩🍳 Instructions
First, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
Next, add the garlic and mushrooms. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
Then, stir in the thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
After that, pour in the vegetable broth and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Next, add the orzo and reduce the heat. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
Finally, stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Creamier soup: Add ¼ cup coconut milk or cashew cream.
- Extra protein: Stir in white beans or chickpeas.
- Gluten-free: Replace orzo with rice or gluten-free pasta.
- Herb boost: Add fresh dill or thyme at the end.
- Make ahead: Cook orzo separately to prevent over-thickening.
🌟 Benefits of Mushroom Lemon Orzo Soup
First, this soup is light yet comforting, making it perfect for any season.
Additionally, mushrooms provide antioxidants and umami flavor without added fat.
Moreover, lemon adds vitamin C and brightens the overall taste.
Furthermore, this recipe is naturally dairy-free and easy to adapt for vegan diets.
In addition, it’s quick to prepare and ideal for meal prep.
Finally, the balanced ingredients create a nourishing, satisfying bowl.
📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
🧒 Kid-Friendly Version
To make this soup kid-friendly, reduce the lemon juice slightly for a milder flavor. Chop the mushrooms very finely or substitute with small pasta shapes. Serve with crackers or grilled bread to make it more fun and familiar for kids.
