Warmer weather is finally starting to show it’s face after a long winter. However, I’m willing to bet that we have one last cold snap headed our way before summertime, and I’m ready with this chunky tomato orzo soup!
I have been dreaming of summer tomatoes, refusing to buy fresh at the store (they are just not as good). Luckily, canned tomatoes pack great flavor, perfect for soup!
I used both diced tomatoes and crushed tomatoes in this recipe. I used lots of chunky aromatic veggies as a base for my soup, so I figured, why not chunky tomatoes too?
The crushed tomatoes add a smooth velvety texture that helps all the chunky veggies to unite. I love pasta, so I added the orzo for a touch of comfort food delight.
Variations to the Chunky Tomato Orzo Soup recipe:
- Taste test for salt. I found if I use no salt added tomatoes, that I prefer to add 1/4 tsp sea salt. Vegetable broth brands will vary as well in sodium content, so again, adjust salt to taste.
- To make a smooth soup, or a soup for kids or picky eaters, puree the soup in a blender before adding the orzo.
- Mix in some protein. I tried both chickpeas and white beans, and preferred the chickpeas.
Chunky Tomato Orzo Soup
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Entree
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 large or 2 small carrots, diced
- 1 TBS olive oil
- 1/4 tsp each: black pepper, thyme, and basil
- 1 bay leaf
- 15 oz can diced tomatoes
- 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup orzo (preferably whole wheat)
- 1 TBS red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Combine the onion, celery, carrot, and olive oil in a medium dutch oven or stock pot. Put over medium heat and cook for 15 minutes, or until the veggies and soften.
- Mix in black pepper, thyme, basil, bay leaf, both cans of tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
- Mix in orzo and cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and mix in red wine vinegar. Serve.
This is a wonderful soup. I used gluten free pasta for me. I was so curious about the red wine vinegar that I tasted it before (very good) and after adding it. Really excellent flavor enhancer! Thank you.
Love,
Ellen
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Ellen! I always add vinegar to my soups, it brightens and enhances all the other flavors. Definitely worth trying in any of your other favorite soup recipes!
This looks great, my daughters would love this too!
Thank you, Mindy! This soup is the best healthy comfort food, you should totally make it for your daughters 😉
I love my tomato soup recipe! Must try it with Orzo!
I loved adding orzo, pasta is such comfort food for me!