If you’re looking for a comforting dish that warms your heart and is quick to prepare, you’ll love this Orzo Leek and Dill Soup. This delightful soup is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. It’s light yet satisfying, making it suitable for any season—whether it’s the chill of winter or a warm summer evening. The combination of fresh dill and tender orzo brings a burst of flavor that makes every spoonful feel special.

What makes this recipe even better is how easy it is to customize! You can whip it up in no time, making it a go-to for meal prep or simply when you want something healthy and delicious without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare: This soup comes together in just 24 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal.
Healthy and wholesome: Packed with vegetables and fresh herbs, it’s a nourishing choice.
Family-friendly: The mild flavors appeal to both kids and adults alike.
Easily customizable: Swap in your favorite grains or add extra veggies to suit your taste.
Make-ahead goodness: It stores well in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Orzo Leek and Dill Soup. These items are likely already in your pantry or easy to find at your local store!

For the Soup

1 tbsp olive oil
1 red onion
3 large cloves garlic
1 carrot (diced)
1 leek (green ends included, diced)
1 tsp dried thyme
120 g orzo pasta
1.5 l vegetable stock (stock cube and boiling water)
3-4 sprigs fresh dill
Salt & pepper to taste
1/2 lemon (squeezed)
Extra virgin olive oil (to garnish)

Variations

One of the best things about this Orzo Leek and Dill Soup is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand.

Swap the pasta: Use pulses like lentils or chickpeas if you’re looking for a protein boost instead of orzo.
Add more greens: Toss in spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a lovely warmth if you like a bit of heat.
Creamy option: Stir in some coconut milk at the end for a creamy twist that enhances the flavors.

How to Make Orzo Leek and Dill Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by finely chopping the garlic and onion, then dicing the carrot and leek. Add them all to a large pot with a drizzle of olive oil, plus salt and pepper. Sweat these ingredients down for around six minutes. This step is key because sautéing brings out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetable Stock

While your vegetables are softening, boil the kettle. Add boiling water to a bowl with the stock cube and whisk until dissolved. Having rich vegetable stock gives our soup its wonderful base flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo

Now it’s time to add the orzo to your pot along with the stock and dried thyme. Let everything bubble away for about twelve minutes. This allows the orzo to cook perfectly while soaking up all those delicious flavors from the veggies.

Step 4: Final Touches

Once cooked, taste your soup! Add any additional seasoning with salt and pepper, squeeze in half a lemon for brightness, and throw in those fresh dill sprigs. Adjusting these elements ensures each bowl bursts with flavor.

Step 5: Serve Up Your Soup

Finally, ladle your warm soup into bowls. Drizzle each serving with extra virgin olive oil and garnish with a sprig of dill. Now it’s ready to be enjoyed—perfectly comforting whether shared with loved ones or savored on your own!

Pro Tips for Making Orzo Leek and Dill Soup

Creating a delicious Orzo Leek and Dill Soup can be simple and rewarding! Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time.

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh leeks and dill can make a significant difference in flavor. They elevate the taste of the soup, making it vibrant and aromatic.
Adjust the consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of vegetable stock or add a little more orzo. This way, you can customize the texture to your liking.
Experiment with herbs: While dill is fantastic, don’t hesitate to experiment with other herbs like parsley or chives. This adds depth and variety to your soup.
Make it ahead of time: Soups often taste better after sitting for a while as flavors meld together. Prepare this soup a day in advance for an even richer flavor profile.
Store leftovers properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s perfect for meal prep and can last up to three days!

How to Serve Orzo Leek and Dill Soup

Presenting your Orzo Leek and Dill Soup beautifully can enhance the dining experience. Here are some ideas on how to serve it up!

Garnishes

Chopped chives: A sprinkle of fresh chives adds a lovely color contrast and mild onion flavor that complements the soup.
Lemon zest: A touch of lemon zest on top brightens up the soup, adding an extra layer of freshness.
Toasted seeds: Sprinkle some pumpkin or sunflower seeds for added crunch and nutrition.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into your soup. It complements the flavors wonderfully.
Green salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup and adds a refreshing element to your meal.
Grilled vegetables: Roasting seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers enhances their natural sweetness, making them an excellent side option.
Quinoa salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and herbs offers a hearty accompaniment that pairs beautifully with your soup.

Enjoy crafting this delightful dish that’s not only easy to make but also brings warmth to any occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Orzo Leek and Dill Soup is a fantastic option for meal prep! It stores well, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to enjoy a comforting bowl of soup without the fuss.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keep in mind that the orzo may absorb some of the broth as it sits.

Freezing

To freeze, let the soup cool and portion it into freezer-safe containers.
Leave a little space at the top of each container, as liquids expand when frozen.
The soup can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, or use the microwave for quicker thawing.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of vegetable stock or water if needed to loosen up the consistency.

FAQs

If you’re wondering more about making this delightful soup, here are some common questions!

Can I use different pasta in Orzo Leek and Dill Soup?

Absolutely! While orzo gives this soup its unique charm, you can swap it out for any small pasta, grains like quinoa, or even pulses such as lentils. Just keep an eye on cooking times!

How long does Orzo Leek and Dill Soup last in the fridge?

This savory soup can last up to 3 days in the fridge when stored properly. Just remember that the orzo will continue to absorb liquid over time, so you might need to add a bit of water when reheating.

What can I serve with Orzo Leek and Dill Soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light salad. You could also serve it with some roasted vegetables for a complete meal!

Can I make Orzo Leek and Dill Soup gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free orzo or your favorite gluten-free pasta alternative. The rest of the recipe will work just as beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this warm and wholesome Orzo Leek and Dill Soup! It’s not only delicious but also versatile enough to fit into your meal prep routine. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or enjoying it during warmer months, it’s sure to bring comfort to your table. Happy cooking, and don’t hesitate to share your experience!