Zuppa di Orzo

Zuppa di Orzo is a hearty Italian barley soup, brimming with fresh vegetables and rich flavors. This nourishing dish is perfect for a cozy meal, offering both comfort and health benefits in every spoonful.

Ingredients

• Pearl barley - 100 grams
• Carrot - 1 medium, diced
• Celery - 1 stalk, diced
• Onion - 1 small, diced
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Spinach - 100 grams, roughly chopped
• Vegetable broth - 800 ml
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Dried thyme - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Parmesan cheese - 20 grams, grated (optional)

Steps

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the pearl barley, mixing well with the vegetables for about 2 minutes.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 25 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
5. Add the chopped spinach to the pot, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 54 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Cholesterol: 5 mg
• Total Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Water: 0.8 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber from barley and vegetables, promoting digestive health.
• Low in calories while being nutrient-dense, making it ideal for weight management.

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