Lemon Garlic Orzo Soup

Sigh. Sometimes my family doesn't share my adoration of all things lemon. What's a girl to do? The boys liked this soup but said, "Less lemon next time Mom." The Geologist agreed. So I toned down the lemon a little for the official recipe, with a little wiggle room for the crazy lemon-lovers among you! 

In other news, this might be one of the worst snow-storms we've had this winter! And I have to drive in it again to take Stephen to gymnastics... Ack. We've had more snow before, but the last time it was blowing around this much was at night! Maybe we'll get school canceled. I feel kinda ripped off, we live in the skiing state, and are supposed to get aesome snow, but we never get snow days!! I want to steal a couple from Washington D.C. and Missouri! So jealous!! Well, if you're stuck inside for yet another snow day, and need a little taste of summer, this soup is just the ticket. :)

Lemon Garlic Orzo Soup (adapted from Petite Foodie)
Printable Recipe

2 Tb butter
1/2 yellow onion, chopped small
3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1 carrot, roughly grated

2 Tb flour
6 cups chicken broth
2/3 cup orzo
zest from 1 lemon
1-2 Tb freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp fresh thyme (you could also use basil, parsley, or rosemary, but thyme is my favorite!)

Melt the butter on medium-low heat. Add the garlic and onion and saute till softened and translucent. Add the carrot and saute for a few minutes. Add the flour and stir, cooking, for a few more minutes. (This slightly thickens the soup. I love thickening my broth, if you don't, skip the flour!) Pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly. Turn heat to high and bring to a boil. 

Add the salt, pepper, thyme, and orzo, and cook until the orzo is tender with a bit of a bite. Lower to a simmer, and add the zest and lemon juice. (Start with 1 Tb of juice, and add another if you want it more lemony)  Season to taste with more salt and pepper, if needed. Serve hot!

The carrots add a hint of sweetness, the broth is rich and silky and full of flavor, with a splash of lemon and the chewy bits of orzo, a simple yummy soup!

You could add some shredded chicken if you want, The Geologist says it isn't real soup without it. But I love it anyway! :) It's sunshiney soup!