lemon orzo soup

ingredients:

  • 1-2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp butter

  • 1/2 onion, diced

  • 2 carrots, diced

  • 2 celery stalks, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tbsp flour

  • 6 cups vegetable broth

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • 1 cup of orzo

  • 1/4 cup parmesan

  • juice of 1/2 lemon

instructions:

  • heat oil + butter over medium heat

  • add onion, celery, and carrot, sauté for 5-7 minutes

  • add garlic, sauté for 1 minute

  • add flour and stir to coat the vegetables

  • add broth and Italian seasoning, bring to a boil

  • add orzo and cook for 10 minutes

  • remove from heat

  • add parmesan and lemon juice

  • allow soup to thicken for 15 minutes & enjoy!

health benefits of ingredients used

  • carrots

    excellent source of antioxidants, carotenes, fiber, vitamins c & e, potassium, and calcium

    help protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer

    help with sight and vision

    fun fact: nutrients are more easily absorbed when carrots are cooked

  • onions

    flavonoids help prevent blood clots & protect against heart disease and cancer

    diallyl sulphide helps prevent cancer

    anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties

    chromium helps insulin regulation

    vitamin c

  • garlic

    reduces risk of heart disease and cancer

    antibiotic and antiviral properties (used medicinally in history)

    minimizes stomach ulcers

    vitamin c, selenium, potassium, & calcium

  • celery

    high in potassium & calcium

    supports blood & bone health

    anti-inflammatory

    high in fiber

  • lemons

    great source of vitamin c

    contains disinfecting properties

    antioxidants, including limonene which helps prevent breast and other cancers by lowering bad cholesterol

    rutin strengthens veins and prevent fluid retention

    can increase appetite