spinach lemon orzo soup

today because i am lazy, and our dinner hasn't been exciting this week, i am posting a recipe from one of my favorite places to find recipes, tasty kitchen. i have been perusing the site looking for recipes for a party this weekend and came across this recipe again. this is a recipe i made for the first time a few months ago when i took dinner to a friend who just had her baby; it made enough for her little family and for the three of us as well... so that actually makes it more like 6 months ago, at least that wasn't the last time i saw that friend.  perhaps i should make this more often.

the original recipe can be found here

spinach lemon orzo soup

cast of characters

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 whole large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 whole lemon, zested and juiced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you like spicy, you can add more)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 cups fresh spinach leaves, packed (i ended up using almost a cup more)
1-1/2 cup uncooked orzo pasta 8 cups vegetable or chicken broth (i used vegetable)
2 tablespoons water 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1/4 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese (i used more, i like my cheese)

directions

1. heat the oil in a large heavy pot or stock pot. add the onion and garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. add the lemon zest, red pepper flakes and thyme and cook another 3 minutes until the onions are tender and translucent. turn the heat to medium and add the spinach and orzo. cook for 1 minute and then add the broth and lemon juice.
2. bring to a light simmer and cook for 12-15 minutes until the orzo is barely tender. whisk the water and cornstarch in a small bowl. with the soup at a light boil, whisk in the cornstarch mixture and stir rapidly. allow the soup to thicken, about 3 minutes.
3. serve immediately garnished with freshly grated parmesan.

after making this for the first time, it was good but could have used a little more. we ate it with some crusty bread which was good, but we were lacking our protein.

welcome additions that i have thought of are as follows; cooked chicken, artichokes, and maybe even some sauteed mushrooms (i love mushrooms, so this might be a personal preference).