Vegan Orzo Soup is the plant-based version of classic chicken lemon orzo soup. Made with chickpeas and veggies, this is a rich and hearty vegetarian orzo soup.
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What is Orzo Soup?
Orzo soup is a soup dish made with orzo pasta. Orzo pasta is a small pasta that is cut into a rice shape. It looks a lot like rice, but it's actually pasta.
There are many orzo soup variations, but a classic recipe is chicken lemon orzo soup. It's a lot like chicken lemon rice soup (which I also have a plant-based version of), but with pasta instead of rice.
This vegan version of orzo soup uses chickpeas instead of chicken. We'll also add some classic veggies like carrots and celery. And make it super flavorful and rich with lemon and fresh herbs.
Why I love this Vegan Orzo Soup
- Dietary needs - this recipe is plant-based, oil-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free
- Gluten-free - yes! This soup is gluten-free. For years, gluten-free orzo pasta hasn't been available, but I found gluten-free orzo pasta made from cassava flour and it did not disappoint
- Thick and hearty - the orzo pasta absorbs a large portion of the cooking liquid (kind of like rice) so the soup takes on a thick texture. And with chickpeas and veggies, this is a hearty dish.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Yellow Onion: you can also use a white onion
- Carrots: be sure to use whole carrots, not baby carrots - whole carrots have SO much more flavor
- Celery: if you don't like celery, feel free to omit it
- Salt & Black Pepper
- Garlic: fresh garlic is ideal here, but garlic powder will work too
- Vegetable Stock: the vegetable stock you use will affect the flavor of the soup. When purchasing a veggie broth, look for one with no added sugar or oils.
- Orzo Pasta: to keep this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free orzo pasta. If you aren't gluten-free, any regular orzo pasta will work.
- Chickpeas: canned chickpeas are perfect here. You can also use another white bean like cannellini. Or, if you want this soup to have more of the 'chicken lemon orzo soup' feel, use a plant-based chicken substitute
- Lemon Juice: fresh lemon juice is ideal
- Flax Egg: this is a combination of ground flaxseed and water. The mixture congeals into an egg-like texture and helps add some thickness and a bit of nuttiness to the soup
- Fresh Herbs: rosemary, thyme, and parsley. If you have access to fresh herbs I highly recommend using the fresh version, but the dried version of each will work too.
How to make Vegan Orzo Soup
Step 1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes until soft. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 2. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Step 3. Add the vegetable stock, orzo, chickpeas, lemon juice, flax egg, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Bring to a boil and let simmer until pasta is soft - cook time will vary based on your pasta. Serve with a garnish of fresh herbs and lemon, and enjoy!
FAQ & Expert Tips
Like when you cook pasta, boil the soup for the amount of time it indicates on the box. Then check to see if the orzo is cooked. If so, you're ready. If not, let the soup cook for a few more minutes until the pasta is soft.
Substitute chickpeas with another bean like cannellini beans. Or use cubed tofu or tempeh. For more of a 'chicken lemon orzo soup' feel, use a plant-based chicken substitute.
Recipe Prayer
Thank you God for this soup. Help it to warm and nourish our bodies. Amen.
More vegan soups
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📖 Recipe
Vegan Orzo Soup with Lemon and Chickpeas (Gluten-Free)
Ingredients
- 1 Small Yellow Onion chopped
- 4 Medium Carrots peeled and small diced
- 2 Celery Stalks thinly sliced
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 4 Cloves Garlic minced
- 5 Cups Vegetable Stock
- 1 Cup Orzo Pasta Jovial has a gluten-free option
- 1 Can Chickpeas
- 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 1 Tablespoon Ground Flax + 2 Tablespoons Water
- 1 Sprig Rosemary
- 1 Sprig Fresh Thyme
- 2 Tablespoons Finely Chopped Fresh Parsley
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes until soft. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add the vegetable stock, orzo, chickpeas, lemon juice, flax egg, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Bring to a boil and let simmer until pasta is soft - cook time will vary based on your pasta. Serve with a garnish of fresh herbs and lemon, and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate.
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