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Lemon Rice Soup

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A quick and easy lemon rice soup that is light, soothing, and comforting with a bright citrus twist. Perfect for cozy evenings or when you want a nourishing meal without heaviness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (190 g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1 medium celery stalk, diced
  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth (1.4 liters)
  • Juice of 2 fresh lemons
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Finely chop the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Rinse the rice under cold water until clear to remove excess starch (about 1-2 minutes).
  2. Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking (1-2 minutes).
  3. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic during the last minute to avoid burning.
  4. Stir in the rinsed rice, coating it in the oil and vegetables. Toast the rice lightly for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Slowly add the broth, stirring gently. Increase heat to bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for about 20 minutes or until rice is tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally and add water if soup becomes too thick.
  7. Remove pot from heat. Stir in lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  8. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the soup and stir gently.
  9. Serve warm, optionally with crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Notes

Add lemon juice off the heat to keep the bright flavor. Rinse rice well to prevent gummy texture. Use low heat for simmering and stir gently to avoid mushy rice. If soup thickens after resting, stir in warm broth or water before reheating. Optional add-ins include shredded chicken or white beans for protein, or herb swaps like dill or thyme.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon rice soup, easy soup recipe, comforting soup, quick soup, cozy meal, lemon soup, rice soup, healthy soup

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/lemon-rice-soup-recipe-easy-cozy-comforting-meal-for-warm-nights/