This is one of my favourite soups. Nourishing. Satisfying. Warming. As all good soups should be.
But the great thing about this Lemon, Orzo and Fennel soup is that it can be ready in a jiffy too. Wafer thin slices of fennel cook in no time at all, so the soup is ready when the orzo (also known as risoni) is ready. It's a soup to make on those nights that you don't feel like spending hours in the kitchen, but still want something healthy and nourishing.
What makes this soup special, to me at least, is the last minute addition of lemon zest, lemon juice and fennel fronds just before serving. This really rounds out the soup, and transforms it from a good soup to a special soup.
The other great thing about this Lemon, Orzo and Fennel soup is also that it is a transseasonal soup. It's light enough to be enjoyed when the weather is slightly warmer but have a hankering for soup, and is still just as welcome on a cold winters night, paired with bread slathered in butter.
📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbs olive oil
- 1 leek, finely sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 medium fennel, cored, quartered and finely sliced (fennel fronds reserved for serving)
- 2 cups litres vegetable stock, 8
- ½ cup orzo, risoni
- salt and pepper
- 1 lemon, zested and cut into wedges to serve
Instructions
- Place a large saucepan over a medium heat and add the olive oil and leek. Cook for 4 minutes or until soft. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant before adding the fennel. Cook the fennel for 1 minute before adding the vegetable stock and orzo (risoni) and cook for 12 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked. Taste and adjust the seasonings to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with lemon zest, lemon juice and fennel fronds and serve immediately.
Monet says
Love this soup...and it does transcend seasons, doesn't it? Thank you for sharing. Beautiful work!
Jennifer says
It definitely does. 🙂 I hope you enjoy it, and thank you for your kind words Monet 😀
Gourmet Getaways says
Another comforting soup...thanks, Jennifer! With the flavours of cilantro and lime, there's nothing else that the discerning palate should look for. Thanks for the recipe!JulieGourmet Getaways
thelittleloaf says
The weather's been boiling here recently so I'm more into cold soups right now. Knowing Britain it'll get cold come June though so will save this recipe up 🙂
Gintare says
This soup looks so good! The weather has been so generous here lately so it's too warm to make it, but once it'll cool down, I am so making it!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
The flavours of this soup would excite the palate of everyone at my table. I can't wait to give it a try.
Alanna says
This soup sounds so simply delicious. I'm a huge fan of fennel, and of lemony soups, too. Yum! Thank you for sharing! Gorgeous photos, too.
Cherokee Beck says
My husband has made this soup for me a few times now. It is literally my favorite thing ever. So lemony and healthy. I love it, and i've sent it to just about all my friends who like to cook. This soup changed my life.