A hearty vegetable soup that I like eating with bread. All the optional ingredients can be added or omitted based on how hungry you are, the most important thing is the mirepoix base.

• If you just want a soup as an appetizer, then skip the potatoes.
• I think this dish is a great vegetarian meal, but if you want more protein you can add frozen meatballs at the beginning.

Orzo and Vegetable Soup #

• Prep time: 10 min
• Cook time: 20 min

Ingredients (Serves 2) #

• half a stalk of celery, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1-2 tomatoes, cut into chunks (optional)
• 1-2 potatoes, cut into chunks (optional)
• your favorite cheese (optional)
• frozen meatballs (optional)
• 1 cup orzo
• 1 qt carton vegetable broth

Directions #

1. Add all the vegetables and into the pot
2. Add the broth
3. Add additional water if necessary to cover all the ingredients
4. Bring to boil, stirring occasionally
5. Add orzo and simmer for 10 min, stirring occasionally and making sure it doesn’t get stuck on the bottom
6. If you want a richer soup, grate some of your favorite cheese into the soup and stir it until it melts
7. Serve with warm bread (I like focaccia or sliced french baguette)