Green Olive and Sundried Tomato Chickpea Soup with Orzo and Spinach Recipe
A vibrant and hearty Green Olive Soup featuring tender orzo, creamy coconut, and a medley of fresh herbs and vegetables. This Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian soup combines the briny flavor of green olives with sundried tomatoes, chickpeas, and spinach for a comforting and flavorful meal.
- Author: rami
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Sauté Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Herbs and Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, sliced
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 ounces orzo
- 6 cups vegetable stock
- 1 cup green olives, pitted and halved or quartered if very large
- 1/2 cup coconut cream
- 1 cup baby spinach, roughly torn
Seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the finely chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste and Herbs: Mix in the tomato paste, fresh oregano, and thyme. Cook for 1-2 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Add Sundried Tomatoes, Chickpeas, Orzo, and Stock: Pour in the sundried tomatoes, drained chickpeas, orzo, and vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Simmer Until Orzo is Tender: Let the soup simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and tender.
- Finish with Olives, Coconut Cream, and Spinach: Stir in the green olives, coconut cream, and baby spinach. Allow the spinach to wilt and the olives to warm through for a couple of minutes.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve hot for the best flavor.
Notes
- The orzo in the soup cooks in the broth, making it essential to watch the simmering time to avoid overcooking.
- Using coconut cream adds a subtle richness and creaminess without dairy, making the soup suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
- Adjust the salt carefully as olives can add significant saltiness.
- This soup can be made gluten-free by substituting orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice.
- For added protein, consider topping with crumbled feta or adding extra legumes.
Keywords: green olive soup, vegetarian soup, Mediterranean soup, orzo soup, chickpea soup, coconut cream soup, hearty vegetable soup