Vibrant Lemon Herb Soup (Printable)

Bright citrus soup with fresh herbs, carrots, and celery in a light vegetable broth. Vegetarian and gluten-free.

# What You 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 - Juice of 2 lemons, approximately 6 tablespoons
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
11 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
12 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

→ Other

13 - 1/2 cup cooked rice or orzo, optional
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Zesty & Fresh: The combination of fresh dill, parsley, and chives with lemon creates a revitalizing flavor.
  • Quick to Prepare: Goes from stovetop to table in just 40 minutes.
  • Light yet Filling: Low in calories at 110 per serving, but can be made heartier with the addition of rice or orzo.
02 -
  • Herb Freshness: Fresh herbs are key to this soup's vibrant color and taste; avoid using dried versions for the parsley, dill, and chives if possible.
  • Body: If you prefer a thicker texture, use the optional orzo or rice to add body to the broth.
  • Heat Control: Do not boil the soup once the fresh herbs and lemon juice are added to preserve their delicate flavors.
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