Vibrant Lemon Herb Soup

A vibrant, refreshing soup featuring bright citrus notes and a medley of fresh herbs, perfect for a light appetizer or a soothing main course.

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This Mediterranean-inspired soup is as beautiful as it is delicious, bringing together the earthy sweetness of carrots and celery with the zesty punch of fresh lemon and aromatic herbs.

Ingredients

• Vegetables: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 2 medium carrots (diced), 2 celery stalks (diced)
• Broth: 5 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
• Citrus & Herbs: Zest of 1 lemon, juice of 2 lemons (about 6 tablespoons), 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped), 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped), 1 tablespoon fresh chives (chopped), 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• Other: ½ cup cooked rice or orzo (optional), salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.

Step 2

Add garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for another 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.

Step 3

Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, dill, chives, and thyme. Simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 5

Add cooked rice or orzo if using. Heat through for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with extra herbs and lemon slices if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For a heartier version of this soup, you can add shredded cooked chicken. Ensure the vegetables are sautéed until they just begin to soften to build a solid flavor base before adding the broth.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Feel free to swap dill or chives for basil or tarragon for a different flavor profile. If you are watching your gluten intake, use rice instead of orzo, or ensure the orzo is a certified gluten-free variety.

Serviervorschläge

This soup pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a crisp green salad. Adding extra lemon slices as a garnish allows each guest to customize the citrus intensity to their liking.

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Enjoy this light and soothing Lemon Herb Soup as a refreshing addition to your Mediterranean recipe collection.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The lemon flavor may intensify over time, so you might want to adjust seasoning before serving. Add fresh herbs just before reheating for the brightest flavor.

→ What herbs can I substitute if I don't have dill?

Fresh basil, tarragon, or cilantro work beautifully as substitutes. Each brings a unique flavor profile while maintaining the fresh, herbaceous quality of the dish. You can also use a combination of whatever fresh herbs you have on hand.

→ How can I make this soup more filling?

Add cooked rice, orzo, or even quinoa for extra substance. You can also incorporate white beans, chickpeas, or shredded chicken. Small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe also work well and cook directly in the broth.

→ Can I freeze leftover soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well for up to 3 months. However, if you've added rice or pasta, the texture may become softer after thawing. Consider freezing the base without grains and adding them fresh when reheating for best results.

→ What's the best way to get the most lemon flavor?

Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled, and add the zest along with the juice. The zest contains essential oils that provide intense lemon flavor. Add half the lemon juice during cooking and reserve the other half to stir in just before serving for maximum brightness.

→ Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. Portion into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. The flavors actually develop and meld beautifully overnight. Just be aware that herbs may darken slightly, though the taste remains excellent.