Minestra di Orzo

Minestra di Orzo is a hearty Italian soup featuring barley and a medley of fresh vegetables, perfect for a comforting meal. This vegetarian dish is not only nutritious but also packed with flavor, making it a delightful choice for any season.

Ingredients

• Pearl barley - 100 grams
• Carrot - 1 medium, diced
• Celery stalk - 1, diced
• Zucchini - 1 small, diced
• Onion - 1 small, diced
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Vegetable broth - 750 ml
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Parmesan cheese - for serving (optional)

Steps

1. Rinse the pearl barley under cold water and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the diced onion, cooking until translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and celery to the pot, cooking for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
4. Stir in the diced zucchini and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
5. Add the rinsed barley to the pot and stir well to combine with the vegetables.
6. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
8. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
• Water: 0.75 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber, which aids in digestion.
• Packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables.

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