Name: Easy Orzo, Leek and Dill Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 red onion, finely chopped; 3 large garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 carrot, diced; 1 leek, diced (including green parts); 3 to 4 fresh dill sprigs, plus additional for garnish; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried thyme; 4.25 cups orzo pasta (120 g); 6 1/3 cups vegetable broth (made from cube and boiling water); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 lemon, juiced; Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

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Introduction

This easy orzo, leek, and dill soup is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any day. With tender vegetables, fresh herbs, and a bright lemon finish, it’s both simple and satisfying. Ideal for a quick lunch or light dinner.

A close-up view inside a red pot filled with a clear broth soup showing short white rice grains as the main layer, mixed with small yellow and orange vegetable pieces, likely carrot and celery, scattered throughout. Tiny green dill sprigs float on top along with black pepper specks, adding texture and color contrast against the light yellow broth. The pot's light beige interior edge is visible, and it rests on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 red onion, finely chopped
3 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 carrot, diced
1 leek, diced (including green parts)
1 tsp dried thyme
4.25 cups orzo pasta (120 g)
6 1/3 cups vegetable broth (made from cube and boiling water)
3 to 4 fresh dill sprigs
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 lemon, juiced
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Additional fresh dill sprigs for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped red onion, garlic, diced carrot, and leek (including green parts). Season with salt and pepper. Sweat the vegetables for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become fragrant.
Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the vegetable broth by dissolving a vegetable broth cube in boiling water to make 6 1/3 cups. Whisk well until fully dissolved, then set aside.
Step 3: Add the orzo pasta to the pot with the softened vegetables. Pour in the hot vegetable broth and sprinkle in the dried thyme. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Stir once midway through cooking for even results.
Step 4: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in the juice of half a lemon and add 3 to 4 fresh dill sprigs, either chopped or whole. Taste again and add more lemon juice if desired for brightness.
Step 5: Ladle the soup into bowls. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and garnish with additional fresh dill sprigs. Serve hot and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk before serving.
Swap dried thyme for fresh if available, adding it towards the end of cooking to preserve its flavor.
Add chopped spinach or kale in the last few minutes for extra greens.
Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a non-vegetarian version.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens. Orzo may absorb liquid and soften further after refrigeration, so adjust consistency when reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a ladle filled with clear soup containing white rice grains, diced orange carrot slices, light green celery pieces, and sprigs of fresh green dill, all floating in a light golden broth. The ladle is lifted above a red pot filled with the same soup, showing the mix of ingredients submerged in the broth. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen dill instead of fresh?

While fresh dill provides the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen dill in a pinch. Add it towards the end of cooking to preserve its aroma.

Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, substitute orzo pasta with a gluten-free pasta alternative or small rice-shaped gluten-free grains. Adjust cooking time as needed based on the product instructions.