Veggie Soup with Orzo

Everyone I come in contact with lately is sick. Adults, kids, horses. That's a lie, I haven't been in contact with any sick horses, but wouldn't that have made you curious if I had?

Well, I have just the soup for sick people! Full of all of those things that Google tells you is good for colds... garlic, fresh herbs, lemon, chilies, vegetables, cheesy garlic toast... well that last thing is good for me. What, I have an excellent immune system! Seriously you can throw just about everything you have in your veggie drawer in this soup, and it will please you. You're welcome.


Veggie Soup with Orzo
(Serves 6)

2 T Olive oil
5 cloves garlic
1 small onion
1 leek
1 small red pepper
2-3 carrots, depending on size
1 yellow squash
4 stalks celery
2 zucchinis
1 cup chopped broccoli
1 cup chopped cauliflower
1 T chopped fresh dill
1 T chopped fresh basil
1 T chopped fresh thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
Zest of 1 lemon
1 14oz. can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 32oz. box vegetable stock
1/2 cup orzo
Salt and pepper

Clean veggies, you're feeding sick people after all. Mince garlic and dice onion and leek.


Heat olive oil over medium heat in large pot. Saute garlic, onions and leeks until softened. About 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.


Dice the rest of your veggies, roughly the same size. It's up to you if you want large chunks or small chunks. Oh. Are you wondering if I cut and arranged my vegetables in rainbow order? Yes. Yes I did that.


Add vegetables to onions and garlic. Saute for another 6-8 minutes. Season again with salt and pepper. (Vegetables like salt and pepper.)


Chop your fresh herbs and zest one lemon.


Add fresh herbs, dried oregano and lemon zest to pot, stir.


Add canned tomatoes and stir.


Add vegetable stock and stir. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Then, add orzo. Cover and simmer for another 10 minutes or until pasta is cooked. Taste, then season with salt and pepper.


Ladle into bowls and enjoy! It's also good with some grated Parmesan or Romano sprinkled on top.


Feel better.