PNW SPRING SOUP

PNW SPRING SOUP

We’re trying to say farewell to soup season and bust out the summer grill, but it’s just not time yet. So here’s one last banger of a soup recipe before the hot dogs and BBQ chicken have their day. This recipe seems too easy to be good, but we promise you that this nutritious bowl of springtime goodness will surprise and delight your tastebuds.

Feeling a little less than 100 thanks to seasonal allergies, or fighting off a cold before the riding season gets underway? We got you. Bright hits of lemon paired with creamy tahini and verdant spinach will lift your spirits and warm your belly. This delicious nutritious soup can also be prepared vegan and gluten-free, based on your choice of broth & carbs.



PNW SPRING SOUP – LEMON TAHINI with ORZO & CHICKPEAS

Yield: 8 Servings

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 Yellow Onion, chopped
  • 2-4 Carrots, chopped
  • 6 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 8 Cups Broth (2 Quarts) Veggie or Chicken
  • 1 Cup Orzo or Long Grain Rice if Gluten Free
  • 1 16oz Can of Chickpeas, drained (~400g)
  • ½ Cup Tahini
  • 2-4 Fresh Lemons, zested & juiced
  • 1 Tablespoon Lemon Zest
  • 4 Cups Fresh Baby Spinach, chopped
  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • Salt & Fresh Cracked Pepper, to taste
  • Fresh Dill for garnish, optional

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Prepare your ingredients:

    1. Rinse & dry (if needed) and chop baby spinach

    2. Rinse, dry, and chop fresh dill, if using

    3. Chop onion

    4. Chop carrots

    5. Mince garlic

    6. Zest 1 Tablespoon of lemon zest

    7. Juice lemons

  2. Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or small stock pot, add onion and carrots, season lightly with salt, and saute for 5 minutes on medium, then add garlic and saute for another 2 minutes.

  3. Add in the broth of your choice, the orzo or rice, then the chickpeas, and simmer for 9-15 minutes until your pasta or rice is to the texture of your liking.

  4. Stir in tahini, lemon zest, chopped spinach, and ½ of the lemon juice.

  5. Add more lemon juice and salt & pepper to taste, and thin with water or broth to desired thickness, good soup is like jazz, you do you.

  6. Serve with some warm crusty bread, mmm mmm that’s some good soup!