Recipe: Spinach and Orzo Soup

SPINACH AND ORZO SOUP
Source: Nava Atlas, In a Vegetarian Kitchen
Servings: 6-8

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion or sliced leek
1 large red bell pepper, diced
2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup orzo (rice-shaped pasta)
1 vegetable bouillon cube
1 (16-ounce) can diced tomatoes
5 to 6 ounces fresh spinach, rinsed, stemmed, and chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or dill,
or a combination, or more to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Heat the oil in a soup pot. Add the onion or leek and saut over medium heat until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the red pepper and garlic and saut the vegetables for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until the onion or leek turns golden and the red pepper softens.

In the meantime, cook the orzo in a separate saucepan until al dente. When done, drain.

Add the 5 cups water, the bouillon cubes, and tomatoes to the soup pot. Bring to a simmer, cover and simmer gently for 10 minutes.

Add the cooked orzo to the soup along with the spinach and herbs. Stir in the lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper. Serve at once.