A bright, cozy transitional soup featuring early spring greens, carrots, herbs, and lemon for uplift. Serves 4-6.
This nourishing bowl celebrates the moment where winter roots meet spring’s earliest harvest: tender herbs, leafy greens, and a squeeze of fresh lemon that lifts everything. It’s simple, soothing, and exactly what March tastes like at the farmers market.
Ingredients
Base
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced into thin rounds
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Broth & Orzo
- 8 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1–2 lemons (to taste)
- Sea salt + pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Build a flavorful base
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery.
Cook for 6–8 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Add garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, stirring.
2. Add broth + orzo
Pour in the broth, lemon zest, and orzo.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
Cook for 10–12 minutes, until the orzo is tender.
3. Stir in greens & lemon
Add your chosen greens, peas, and fresh herbs.
Simmer 2–3 minutes, just until the greens wilt and brighten.
Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice, tasting as you go.
Season with salt and pepper.
4. Finish & serve
Ladle into bowls and garnish with any (or all!) of the following:
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Extra herbs
- Fresh lemon squeeze
- Grated Parmesan
Serve warm; ideally with crusty sourdough for dipping.
Spring Add-Ins
Choose any combination of the spring greens available at your markets:
- 2 cups chopped kale, chard, or spinach
- 1 cup snap peas or shelled peas
- ½ cup chopped fresh herbs: parsley, dill, mint, or basil
- Optional: 1 cup cooked shredded chicken or chickpeas
Finishing Touches
- Extra lemon wedges
- Olive oil drizzle
- Fresh herbs
- Grated Parmesan or pecorino (optional)
Market Basket Pairings:
From orchard to oven, field to skillet: these Market Basket Pairings highlight the vendors whose seasonal ingredients inspire this month’s recipe.
- Find everything you need for this recipe at your local farmers market.
Leafy Greens – Country Fresh Herbs, Givens Ranch, or Sunrise Organic