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–+ servings
Feature image vibrant three bean orzo soup healthy Mediterranean one pot dinner.

Three Bean Orzo Soup (Healthy Mediterranean One-Pot)

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Author: Nico Pallotta

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 onion
  • 2 carrots sliced into discs
  • 10 ounces (300 g) mushrooms any - sliced - substitute cherry tomatoes or zucchini
  • 2 cloves garlic grated
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 6 cups (1.5 L) vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • 2 cans beans pick your favorite — we use 1 can pinto 1 can kidney
  • 1½ cups (165 g) green beans substitute 3 handfuls spinach
  • 1 cup (200 g) orzo pasta
  • ½ teaspoon salt or more to taste + black pepper or chili flakes to taste
  • 1 handful grated parmesan or lemon zest or both for serving

  • Sauté the veggies: Heat the 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large pot. Add 1 onion (chopped), 2 carrots (sliced into discs), and 10 ounces mushrooms (sliced). Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables soften.
    Step 1 Step sautéing onion carrots and mushrooms for Mediterranean three bean orzo soup.
  • Build the flavor: Add 2 cloves garlic (grated), 1 teaspoon dried oregano, a pinch of chili flakes, and 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Pour in a splash of broth and cook for 1 minute, stirring, until the tomato paste turns a deeper red.
    Step 2 Step cooking garlic herbs and tomato paste to deepen flavor for orzo bean soup.
  • Simmer the soup: Add 2 cans beans (drained and rinsed), 6 cups vegetable broth, ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes.
    Step 3 Step simmering beans broth and vegetables for hearty Mediterranean orzo soup.
  • Cook the orzo: Stir in 1½ cups green beans (chopped) and 1 cup orzo pasta. Add a little extra broth if you like a thinner soup. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until the orzo is al dente. It will keep cooking slightly off the heat.
    Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve with a squeeze of lemon, a drizzle of olive oil, and 1 handful grated parmesan if you like.
    Step 4 Step adding green beans and orzo to pot for creamy Mediterranean soup.
Substitutions
  • Olive oil → Extra-virgin for best flavor; substitute avocado oil or a splash of broth for oil-free sautéing.
  • Onion → Yellow is classic; substitute white onion, red onion, or shallots.
  • Carrots → Substitute celery, diced zucchini, or any soft veggie you need to use up.
  • Mushrooms → Any type works; substitute diced eggplant or cherry tomatoes.
  • Garlic → Substitute garlic powder.
  • Dried oregano → Substitute Italian seasoning or dried thyme.
  • Tomato paste → Substitute crushed tomatoes or a spoon of marinara.
  • Broth → Use veggie or chicken; substitute water + bouillon.
  • Beans → Swap with any variety—pinto, kidney, cannellini, chickpeas, black beans.
  • Green beans → Substitute spinach, kale, peas, or mixed vegetables.
  • Orzo → Substitute stelline, ditalini, small shells, or broken spaghetti.
  • Lemon or Parmesan → Finish with lemon zest, grated Parmesan, or pecorino Romano.
 
Tips
  • Don’t overcook the orzo: Turn off the heat just before al dente—residual heat creates that creamy, cozy texture without overcooking it.
  • Stir often: Orzo loves to sink; quick stirs keep it from sticking.
  • Use any beans you have: Pinto, kidney, cannellini, chickpeas—this is peak pantry-friendly cooking.
  • Adjust the thickness: Add broth for a lighter soup or simmer longer for a thicker, stew-like bowl.
  • Boost the veggies: Swap green beans for spinach, kale, peas, or mixed veggies for extra heartiness.
  • Finish with something bright: Lemon juice, zest, or fresh herbs instantly lift the flavors.
  • Taste as you go: Broth saltiness varies, so season at the end for perfect balance.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and freeze for up to 2 months—just add a splash of broth when reheating as the orzo thickens.
     
     
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