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- 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 onion, finely chopped - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish I love using fresh ingredients for this creamy tomato orzo soup with spinach. The olive oil adds richness, while the onion and garlic boost the aroma. Dried oregano gives it a nice herb flavor. Crushed tomatoes form the base of this soup. I prefer a high-quality can for the best taste. The vegetable broth keeps this dish light and delicious. Orzo pasta is my choice for texture; it cooks quickly and absorbs the soup's flavor well. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. I like to use it near the end of cooking to keep it vibrant. For creaminess, I use heavy cream. If you're dairy-free, coconut cream works great too. Finally, always season with salt and pepper to taste. Fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish that enhances the dish's look and adds freshness. This combination creates a soup that is rich, comforting, and full of flavor. 1. Sautéing Onion Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes. You want the onion to become soft and translucent. This step builds a sweet base for your soup. 2. Adding Garlic and Oregano Next, stir in the minced garlic and dried oregano. Cook this mixture for one more minute. The smell will be amazing, and it adds depth to the soup. 3. Combining Tomatoes and Broth Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This step is crucial as it melds all the flavors together. 1. Adding Orzo to the Boiling Mixture Once your soup is boiling, add the orzo pasta to the pot. Stir it in and let it cook. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. The orzo will soak up the flavors and become tender. 2. Simmering until Tender Keep an eye on the pot. Stir occasionally and check the orzo for doneness. It should be soft but not mushy. This is the perfect time to taste the soup for seasoning. 1. Incorporating Spinach Lower the heat and stir in the fresh spinach. Let it wilt for 1 to 2 minutes. The spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients to your soup. 2. Mixing in Heavy Cream Finally, pour in the heavy cream. Stir until well combined. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. This creamy finish makes the soup rich and comforting. Enjoy your warm, delicious bowl of creamy tomato orzo soup with spinach! Sautéing to Enhance Flavor Sautéing is key to a rich soup. Start by heating olive oil in your pot. Add the chopped onion first. Cook it until soft and clear. This brings out the onion's sweet flavor. Next, add minced garlic and dried oregano. Cook for one more minute. The smell will be amazing! How to Avoid Overcooking Orzo Orzo cooks fast. Keep an eye on it while it simmers. Stir often to stop it from sticking. Once it's tender, turn off the heat. If you overcook it, orzo can turn mushy. We want it to stay firm in the soup. Bowl Serving Techniques When serving, choose colorful bowls. This makes the soup look bright and inviting. Use a ladle to pour the soup gently. Aim for a nice, even fill. Garnishing Ideas Garnish each bowl with fresh basil leaves. This adds a pop of color. You can also sprinkle cracked black pepper on top. A drizzle of olive oil gives a nice shine. Adding Spices or Herbs Want to kick it up a notch? Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley also work great. Experiment with flavors you love! Alternatives for Cream If you want a lighter option, use coconut cream. It adds a sweet, tropical touch. You can also skip the cream altogether for a brothier soup. The flavors will still shine through! {{image_2}} You can make this soup dairy-free by using coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Coconut cream adds a rich flavor and a creamy texture. This option works well for those who avoid dairy but still want a luscious soup. For vegetarian options, this recipe already fits perfectly. It uses vegetable broth and fresh spinach, which are both plant-based. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrients. If you cannot find orzo pasta, you can use other small pasta types. Examples include ditalini, small shells, or even rice. Each option will change the soup's texture slightly but will still taste great. You can also switch up the greens. Kale, Swiss chard, or even frozen peas can work well. Each green brings its own unique flavor and texture to the soup. This soup pairs nicely with crusty bread or a fresh salad. A warm, toasted baguette can soak up the delicious broth. A light side salad adds a refreshing crunch to your meal. To make this soup heartier, you can add cooked chicken or beans. This adds protein and makes the soup more filling, perfect for a complete meal. After enjoying your soup, store any leftovers in a safe way. Use airtight containers made from glass or plastic. These keep the soup fresh and tasty. Make sure to let the soup cool down before sealing the containers. This helps avoid steam build-up, which can spoil your soup. For the best taste, eat your leftover soup within 3 to 5 days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If the soup smells off or looks different, it’s best to toss it. To enjoy your soup again, reheat it gently. You can use the stove or the microwave. If using the stove, pour the soup into a pot. Heat it over medium-low heat, stirring often. This helps keep the flavors balanced. If you choose the microwave, put the soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps the soup warm evenly. To keep the creamy texture, add a splash of water or broth if it gets too thick. This way, every bite remains delicious and rich. Can I make this soup in advance? Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. I often prepare it a day before serving. Store it in the fridge. This helps the flavors blend well. Just remember, fresh spinach is best added right before serving. How can I thicken my soup? To thicken your soup, you can add more orzo. Cook it longer to soak up the broth. Another option is to blend a portion of the soup. This gives a creamy texture without adding extra cream. What can I use instead of orzo pasta? If you don’t have orzo, use any small pasta. Try ditalini or even rice. Quinoa is also a good choice for a gluten-free option. Each adds a unique twist to the soup. Can I freeze Creamy Tomato Orzo Soup? Yes, you can freeze this soup. Make sure to leave out the spinach and cream before freezing. Add them back in when you reheat the soup. It will taste just as good! What to serve with this soup? Serve this soup with crusty bread. A fresh salad on the side also works well. Both pair nicely and make for a complete meal. Try adding a sprinkle of cheese on top for extra flavor. You now have all the tools to make Creamy Tomato Orzo Soup. We covered the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to enhance your dish. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat for the best taste. Customize the soup to fit your diet and preferences for even more enjoyment. I hope these insights inspire you. Dive in and create a comforting meal that brings warmth to you and your loved ones!

Creamy Tomato Orzo Soup with Spinach

Warm up your day with this delightful creamy tomato orzo soup with spinach! This easy recipe combines rich flavors and fresh ingredients, perfect for any time of year. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a comforting bowl of goodness that’s sure to please. Don't miss out—click to discover the full recipe and serve up this delicious dish tonight! #TomatoOrzoSoup #SoupRecipe #HealthyEating #ComfortFood
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Ingredients
  

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup orzo pasta

2 cups fresh spinach

1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent.

    Stir in the minced garlic and dried oregano, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

      Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

        Once boiling, add the orzo pasta to the pot. Stir occasionally and simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.

          Reduce heat to low, and stir in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt for 1-2 minutes.

            Pour in the heavy cream, stirring until well combined. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.

              Serve hot, garnishing each bowl with fresh basil leaves.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the soup in colorful bowls, and add a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil to enhance its look. A fresh crusty bread on the side complements the meal perfectly.