Vibrant Lemon Herb Soup (Printable version)

Bright citrus soup with fresh herbs, vegetables, and zesty lemon. Light, healthy, and full of Mediterranean flavors.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 2 medium carrots, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced

→ Broth

06 - 5 cups vegetable broth, low sodium

→ Citrus & Herbs

07 - Zest of 1 lemon
08 - 6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
11 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
12 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

→ Finishing

13 - ½ cup cooked rice or gluten-free orzo, optional
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, approximately 3 minutes.
02 - Add minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
03 - Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
04 - Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, dill, chives, and thyme. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
05 - If using cooked rice or orzo, add it now and heat through for 2 to 3 minutes.
06 - Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon slices.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Bright, refreshing citrus flavors that wake up the palate.
  • Simple, healthy Mediterranean ingredients.
  • Quick 40-minute preparation and cooking time.
02 -
  • Always zest your lemon before juicing it for easier handling.
  • Use fresh herbs whenever possible to maintain the vibrant, refreshing quality of the dish.
  • Check the ingredients list on your vegetable broth to ensure it meets your dietary needs.
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