This soup is simply as appropriate for dinner as it is also for lunch — it is warming and comforting and best for a rainy day.
1. Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 rib celery, sliced (approximately 1 cup)
- 1 medium carrot, sliced (approximately 3/4 cup)
- 1 clove of garlic, smashed
- 1/4 medium onion, approximately 1/2 cup
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/3 cup orzo or different small pasta or egg noodles or broken up spaghetti
- 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth (1-quart box, or 2 cans)
- A small handful of clean parsley leaves, basil, or dill, chopped (approximately 2 tablespoons)
- 1/2 lemon, juiced (approximately 1 tablespoon)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Serving suggestion: Whole-wheat crackers and cheese sticks.
2. Directions
Step 1
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat; add all of the vegetables, garlic, and onion. Season with the salt, and cook till tender, approximately 6 minutes. Add the pasta and cook till barely toasted and golden, approximately 2 minutes. Add broth, and bring to a boil over excessive heat. Cook, covered, till pasta is simply tender, approximately 8 minutes.
Step 2
Stir in whatever herb that suits you (or your younger eater) and lemon juice. Season with pepper and further salt, to taste. Fill thermos, percent in a lunch sack with crackers and cheese sticks, and ship off to school.
3. Cook’s Note
This soup freezes well, so freeze any leftovers or make a double batch to have lots on hand. Also, you could stir in some cooked chicken or mini-meatballs, if desired, for another meal.