Kale Pumpkin Orzo Soup
Description
This Mediterranean-inspired Kale Pumpkin Orzo Soup is a healthy and light dish that’s perfect for any meal of the day. Filled with nutritious vegetables like kale and pumpkin, this soup is hearty and comforting, making it a wonderful choice for winter. Feel free to swap in spinach for the kale if needed, and you can make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth or keep it non-vegetarian with chicken stock. The combination of flavors will surely become a favorite!
Cuisine
Fusion
Course
Dinner
Diet
Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups Kale, torn into large chunks
- 1/4 cup Orzo pasta
- 1 cup Kaddu (Parangikai/Pumpkin), cubed
- 1 White onion, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 Tomato, chopped into large pieces
- 1 Celery stalk, chopped
- 2 cups Vegetable stock (or chicken stock)
- 2 teaspoons Apple cider vinegar (optional)
- Fresh Parsley leaves, chopped, for garnish
- 2 teaspoons Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
20 minutes
Instructions
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Prepare the Kale: Clean the kale leaves and trim off the hard stems from the center of each leaf. Tear the leaves into large chunks.
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Cook the Orzo: In a small saucepan, add water and cook the orzo according to the package instructions. You can cook it to your liking—traditionally, pasta is cooked al dente, but many prefer it fully cooked.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan. Add the cubed pumpkin and cook with the lid on, allowing it to soften. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and celery, stirring until the onions are soft and translucent.
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Make the Soup: Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the cooked orzo pasta and apple cider vinegar (optional). Stir in the kale leaves and season with salt and pepper. Let the soup cook for 2 more minutes to combine the flavors.
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Garnish & Serve: Once ready, garnish the soup with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot for a warming winter meal.
Tip: Pair this delicious soup with Whole Wheat Rosemary Focaccia Bread for a perfect weeknight dinner!
Enjoy this vibrant, hearty soup that’s full of winter vegetables and Mediterranean-inspired goodness!