Cozy Turmeric Soup With Chickpeas, Orzo, And Spinach Recipe

Warm, comforting bowls of golden turmeric soup with chickpeas, orzo, and spinach beckon with their vibrant colors and nourishing ingredients.

The fragrant spices dance through this hearty recipe, promising a delightful culinary experience.

Each spoonful carries layers of rich, earthy flavors that soothe and energize.

Chickpeas add a protein-packed punch to this Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Tender orzo and fresh spinach create a perfect balance of textures and nutrients.

The turmeric infuses the soup with a beautiful golden hue and subtle warmth.

This simple yet elegant meal comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend cooking.

Savor every spoonful and let this soul-warming soup transport you to a world of delicious comfort.

FAQs

• Why use turmeric in this soup?

Turmeric adds a warm, earthy flavor and vibrant golden color. It’s also known for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential health benefits.

• Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to soak and cook them separately before adding to the soup. Typically, 1 cup of dried chickpeas equals about 3 cups cooked.

• Is this soup vegetarian and gluten-free?

The recipe is vegetarian, but not gluten-free due to orzo (which contains wheat). To make it gluten-free, substitute orzo with quinoa or rice.

• How can I make the soup more protein-rich?

Add cooked chicken, tofu, or additional beans to increase the protein content. Greek yogurt as a topping also boosts protein.

Turmeric Soup with Chickpeas, Orzo, and Spinach to Brighten Your Day

• Craft a Luxurious Meal: Transform an ordinary dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience with this gourmet lobster pasta that feels incredibly special and indulgent.
• Master Impressive Cooking Skills: Learn a sophisticated recipe that looks complicated but is surprisingly manageable, allowing home cooks to elevate their culinary confidence with professional-level techniques.
• Celebrate Versatile Dining: Perfect for romantic date nights, elegant dinner parties, or treating yourself to a decadent meal that combines seafood richness with classic pasta comfort.
• Quick and Elegant Preparation: Requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making this dish achievable for home cooks who want a high-end meal without extensive cooking expertise.

Ingredients Needed for Turmeric Soup with Chickpeas and Spinach

• Olive Oil: A flavorful cooking fat that helps sauté the aromatics and provides a rich base for the soup.
• Onion: Adds a sweet and savory foundation to the soup's flavor profile.
• Chickpeas: The main protein source that provides texture and heartiness to the soup.
• Orzo: A small pasta that adds substance and creates a comforting texture.
• Spinach: Brings fresh green color and nutritional value to the soup.

• Garlic: Provides a pungent and aromatic flavor to the soup.
• Turmeric, Cumin: Warming spices that give the soup its distinctive golden color and depth of flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Broth: Creates the liquid base and adds additional flavor to the soup.
• Cilantro, Parsley: Fresh herbs that bring brightness and herbal notes.
• Lemon or Lime Juice: Adds a tangy brightness that balances the soup's flavors.
• Optional Toppings: Greek Yogurt, Red Pepper Flakes, Lemon Wedges, Olive Oil: Provide additional flavor and texture options for serving.

How to Prepare Turmeric Soup with Chickpeas, Orzo, and Spinach

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Select a large pot or Dutch oven and drizzle olive oil across the bottom. Turn your stove to medium heat and let the oil shimmer and dance.

Step 2: Sizzle the Onions

Toss in diced onions and let them soften and caramelize. Stir occasionally, watching them transform from crisp white to golden brown in about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Awaken the Spices

• Minced garlic
• Ground turmeric
• Ground cumin
• Chickpeas
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the spices sizzle and release their fragrant oils, stirring continuously for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Create Texture with Chickpeas

Grab a potato masher or fork and gently crush some chickpeas while leaving others whole.

This technique adds wonderful complexity to your soup’s body.

Step 5: Build the Liquid Base

Pour broth into the pot, starting with a small amount to lift those delicious browned bits from the bottom.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Step 6: Cook the Orzo

Add orzo pasta, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes until the pasta becomes tender.

Step 7: Introduce Fresh Greens

Fold in fresh spinach, cilantro, and parsley. Watch the greens wilt and merge with the soup’s rich flavors.

Step 8: Brighten with Citrus

Squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice into the soup. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 9: Serve with Flair

• Olive oil drizzle
• Red pepper flakes
• Lemon wedges
• Greek yogurt dollop

Helpful Tips to Make Turmeric Soup Taste Amazing

• Gently toast whole spices before grinding to release their essential oils and enhance the soup's aromatic profile.
• Replace chickpeas with white beans or lentils for varied protein sources and different texture experiences.
• Add more broth for a thinner soup or reduce liquid to create a heartier stew-like dish.
• Swap orzo with quinoa or brown rice for increased protein and fiber content, making the soup more nutritionally dense.
• Start with smaller amounts of turmeric and cumin, tasting and adjusting gradually to prevent overwhelming flavors.

Flavor Variations to Change Up Turmeric Soup

• Quinoa Power Bowl: Replace orzo with quinoa for a protein-packed gluten-free alternative that maintains the soup's creamy texture and nutritional profile.
• Mediterranean Veggie Swap: Substitute chickpeas with white beans or lentils and add roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean-inspired variation with similar protein content.
• Vegan Creamy Edition: Use coconut milk instead of broth and add nutritional yeast for a rich, creamy vegan version that preserves the soup's warming spice blend.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Blend: Replace orzo with riced cauliflower to create a keto-friendly version that keeps the soup's vibrant turmeric flavor and hearty texture.

What Pairs Well with Turmeric Soup and Spinach

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Complement the soup's bright, turmeric-spiced flavor with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which will enhance the citrusy and herbal notes.
• Serve with Crusty Sourdough: Match the soup's complex flavors with a rustic, tangy sourdough bread that provides a delightful textural contrast and helps soak up the delicious broth.
• Add Fresh Greek Salad: Balance the warm soup with a cool, crunchy Greek salad featuring cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and a light olive oil dressing to create a refreshing meal experience.

How to Store Turmeric Soup with Chickpeas and Orzo

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping the soup's flavors intact and texture fresh.
• Carefully freeze the soup without spinach for maximum 3 months, ensuring you leave some space in the container for expansion.
• Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding splash of broth to prevent sticking and maintain smooth consistency.
• Heat in microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute warmth evenly and prevent cool spots.

Turmeric Soup With Chickpeas, Orzo, And Spinach Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Turmeric Soup with Chickpeas dances with Mediterranean warmth, blending golden spices and comforting textures. Creamy orzo and tender spinach create a nourishing bowl that brings Mediterranean comfort directly to your kitchen.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 (15-ounces) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 5 ounces baby spinach
• 1/2 cup whole wheat orzo
• 4 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)

Spices and Aromatics:

• 1 tablespoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Kosher salt and black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and/or parsley
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Optional Toppings:

• Olive oil
• Red pepper flakes
• Lemon wedges
• Greek yogurt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat (around 350°F), creating a sizzling base for flavor development.
2. Introduce diced onions to the heated oil, sautéing for approximately 5 minutes until they transform into a golden, translucent state with soft, caramelized edges.
3. Incorporate minced garlic, turmeric, cumin, chickpeas, salt, and black pepper into the aromatic foundation, stirring continuously for 5 minutes to activate spice molecules and create a rich, fragrant layer.
4. Gently crush a portion of the chickpeas using a potato masher, leaving some intact to provide textural contrast and help thicken the soup’s consistency.
5. Deglaze the pot with broth, scraping up any caramelized bits from the bottom to capture maximum flavor potential.
6. Elevate the mixture to a rolling boil, then introduce orzo pasta, reducing heat to low and covering the pot for 15 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente tenderness.
7. Fold in fresh spinach, cilantro, and parsley, allowing the greens to gently wilt and integrate into the soup’s vibrant profile (2-3 minutes).
8. Brighten the soup’s flavor profile by stirring in fresh lemon or lime juice, then adjust seasoning to personal taste preferences.
9. Serve piping hot, embellishing with optional garnishes like a drizzle of olive oil, red pepper flakes, citrus wedges, or a creamy dollop of Greek yogurt to enhance visual and gustatory appeal.

Notes

• Boost flavor by toasting whole spices like cumin and turmeric in oil before adding other ingredients for a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Control soup thickness by adjusting liquid amount or mashing more chickpeas for a heartier texture, perfect for cold days.
• Make it vegan by replacing Greek yogurt with cashew cream or coconut yogurt, maintaining the creamy garnish without dairy.
• Swap orzo with quinoa or cauliflower rice for gluten-free and lower-carb alternatives that still provide satisfying substance.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 195 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg