Lemon Orzo Soup

Lemon Orzo Soup (Sierra - http://dojosdesigns.blogspot.com/)
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 large onion diced
• 1 10 oz bag matchstick carrots
• 1 package celery, diced small
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• juice and zest of 1.5 lemons
• 1 rotisserie chicken, de-boned, and shredded
• 2- 48 oz. boxes of chicken broth
• 1/2 cup orzo pasta
• 2-3 cups baby spinach leaves
• 2-3 Tbsp Better Than Bouillon
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 2 Tbsp Italian Seasoning
• 2 tsp. Mrs. Dash Extra Spicy (This is optional, we just like our soups with a little spice!)

Instructions

1. Start with a large pot and melt 1 tbsp butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, chopped celery, and garlic. Cover with lid, stirring often, until onions are translucent. (About 10-15 min.)
2. Add the 2 boxes of chicken BROTH. 
3. Add the juice and zest of 1.5 lemons. (Here's where you can make it personal. I typically add 2 lemons, but that's because I love the kick of lemon!) 
4. Let the soup come up to a simmer. In the meantime, measure out 1/2 a cup of orzo pasta.
5. Once the soup has reached a simmer, add the orzo and your shredded chicken to the soup. 
6. Add the Better than Bouillon, Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning, and Mrs. Dash Extra Spicy. Increase heat, so the soup is a low boil.
7. Once the orzo is cooked, about 15 minutes, turn the heat off. Add your 2-3 cups of baby spinach.
8. Mix well to combine.
9. Don't forget to taste to see if you need more seasoning and/or lemon. Sample until it tastes exactly how YOU want it! (More lemon, more pepper, whatever you prefer!) 

I usually buy a french baguette, cut into slices, and serve with the soup. My favorite thing to do is get a scoop of soup, onto a yummy piece of bread, and take one huge bite! :) My hubby loves soaking the bread pieces in the broth, then slurping to his hearts content! 

So what about you? Any fall favorite soup recipes that are a must-have for your family? What about you new Momma's? Are you in the trenches of nursing, late nights, and eating cold pizza at 3 a.m.? My prayer for you, is that you have a tribe that loves on you, that checks on you, and that feeds you. Because sometimes we need someone to bring us a chocolate chip cookie (or brownie!), and back away, while we inhale it, without judgement. I hope you've enjoyed the recipes! 

As always, folks, 

Choose Joy, Speak Life, and Keep Marching!

XOXO, 

Sierra Jo