Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 medium potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 6 to 7 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/3 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1 cup frozen sweet corn
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (optional)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, cooking for 8 to 10 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the potatoes, diced tomatoes with their juices, vegetable broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, and celery salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in the orzo, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 25 to 30 minutes until the orzo is al dente and the vegetables are tender.
- In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the corn. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley. Optionally, add lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to balance the flavors.
- Serve warm, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
Substitutions: If you do not have orzo, substitute with any small pasta shape or rice for a gluten free version (adjust cooking time as needed).
Extra veggies: Add zucchini, spinach, or kale to boost the vegetable content.
Protein options: For a heartier soup, add chopped bacon, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken.
Make ahead: Store the soup in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 174
- Sugar: 8.4g
- Sodium: 833.4mg
- Fat: 7.6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25.9g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3.1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg