Ultimate Comfort: Savory Tomato Spinach Orzo Soup for Cozy Evenings
As the crisp autumn air settles in and days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to bring comfort and nourishment. Our Tomato Spinach Orzo Soup is a delightful twist on classic tomato soup, elevating it with the addition of fresh spinach, tender orzo pasta, and a medley of wholesome vegetables. This flavorful, nutritious, and incredibly comforting fall soup is designed to be a family favorite, guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. For the ultimate cozy experience, pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich – perfect for dipping!
The Allure of Comfort Food: A Stress Reliever in a Bowl
In life’s most demanding moments, we often instinctively reach for comfort. Whether it’s the chill of the approaching winter, a particularly long week, or significant life changes, a warm, familiar meal can provide much-needed solace. This Tomato Spinach Orzo Soup perfectly embodies that feeling of cozy comfort. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a gentle hug in a bowl, a moment of peace in a busy day, and a reminder of the simple joys in life.
Lately, comfort food has been a constant in my kitchen, and not solely due to the changing seasons. The decision to move to Cleveland, while exciting, has also brought with it the undeniable stress of selling a house. For anyone who has navigated the rollercoaster of home showings, negotiations, and the general upheaval of packing up a life, you understand the emotional and physical toll it can take.
Imagine, if you will, the first two weeks our house was on the market: twenty showings! Now, factor in two energetic, perpetually messy young boys. My days became a frantic dance of tidying up, ensuring every toy was put away, every surface wiped clean, all for the possibility of a last-minute viewing. It felt like a constant battle against the tide of tiny, joyful chaos.
The entire process proved to be quite frustrating at times. There was the memorable evening when a realtor showed up a full 45 minutes late for a 7:00-7:30 PM showing. With two small children, our evenings are meticulously scheduled, especially around bedtime. Drew goes down around 7:30 PM, and his routine is a sacred ritual: bath, story, bottle. We had just embarked on bath time – a glorious, splashing, clothes-strewn-everywhere affair – when the doorbell unexpectedly rang. My husband, Mike, and I exchanged a look of pure panic. The realtor, unfazed, asked if they could still see the house, all while our eldest, Will, was gleefully streaking naked upstairs. It was certainly a memorable “showing” for everyone involved!
Needless to say, such experiences amplify the craving for simple, comforting pleasures. Soups, in particular, have always offered that perfect blend of warmth and satisfaction without feeling overly heavy. This Tomato Spinach Orzo Soup, with its gentle flavors and nourishing ingredients, hits just the right spot. It’s a testament to how a simple, well-made meal can transform a stressful evening into a moment of much-needed comfort and calm.
Why This Tomato Spinach Orzo Soup Shines
A Perfect Blend of Flavors and Textures
What makes this soup so exceptionally delicious? It’s the harmonious combination of vibrant, tangy tomatoes, earthy spinach, and the delightful texture of orzo pasta, all brought together with a savory vegetable base. The orzo pasta is a game-changer – its small, rice-like shape means it doesn’t overpower the soup or absorb too much liquid, keeping the broth flavorful even after a few days in the fridge. This makes it an ideal choice for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers.
Nutritional Powerhouse
Beyond its incredible taste, this soup is packed with nutritional benefits. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, and Vitamin C. Spinach is a superfood, loaded with iron, Vitamin K, and Vitamin A. The carrots and celery add essential vitamins, fiber, and an extra layer of flavor, while garlic provides immune-boosting properties. It’s a healthy meal that truly nourishes the body and soul.
Family-Friendly and Versatile
One of the best qualities of this Tomato Spinach Orzo Soup is its universal appeal. It’s mild enough for even the pickiest eaters yet flavorful enough to satisfy adult palates. Its versatility also means you can easily adapt it to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Want to add some protein? Cooked chicken or a can of chickpeas would be excellent additions. Looking for a creamy texture? A swirl of heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt at the end can transform it.
More Comforting Tomato Recipes to Explore
If you’re a fan of the rich and versatile flavor of tomatoes, you’ll love these other recipes that feature this incredible fruit (yes, it’s a fruit!). From fresh salads to hearty main dishes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy:
PERSIAN TOMATO CUCUMBER SALAD
TOMATO CUCUMBER FETA QUINOA SALAD
EASY LEBANESE SALAD
LEBANESE TABBOULEH
CUCUMBER TOMATO SALAD WITH YOGURT DRESSING
RATATOUILLE
SIMPLE MARINATED TOMATOES
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Tomato Spinach Orzo Soup
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Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped, about 1 cup
- 2 stalks celery , diced, about 1 cup
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced, about 1 cup
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable stock, or chicken stock for a non-vegetarian option
- 1 can (28 oz) whole tomatoes, or use 2-15oz cans of whole tomatoes, gently crushed by hand or with a spoon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil, or 1 Tablespoon of fresh basil chopped for a brighter flavor
- 8 oz fresh spinach, rinsed and roughly chopped if leaves are very large
- 6 oz orzo pasta, cooked al dente according to package directions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, to garnish
Instructions
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First, cook the orzo pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to prevent it from sticking and to halt the cooking process. Set the cooked orzo aside.
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In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, diced celery, and diced carrots. Sauté these vegetables for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
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Pour in the vegetable stock (or chicken stock), add the whole tomatoes (crushing them gently with your hands or a spoon before adding), dried oregano, dried thyme, and dried basil. Stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the vegetables to become tender.
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Next, add the fresh spinach to the pot. Stir it into the hot soup until it has completely wilted, which should only take about 1-2 minutes. The vibrant green spinach will add a wonderful color and extra nutrients to the soup.
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Finally, add the pre-cooked orzo pasta to the soup. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed – remember, a good soup is well-seasoned.
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Serve the Tomato Spinach Orzo Soup warm in individual soup bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh basil for added aroma and flavor. This soup is absolutely perfect when served alongside a crispy grilled cheese sandwich, making it ideal for dipping and a truly satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.