Lemon Garlic Orzo Soup

Lemon Garlic Orzo Soup (adapted from Petite Foodie)

2 Tb butter

1/2 yellow onion, chopped small

3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed

1 carrot, roughly grated

2 Tb flour

6 cups chicken broth

2/3 cup orzo

zest from 1 lemon

2-3 Tb freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp fresh thyme (you could also use basil, parsley, or rosemary, but thyme is my favorite!)

Melt the butter on medium-low heat. Add the garlic and onion and saute till softened and translucent. Add the carrot and saute for a few minutes. Add the flour and stir, cooking, for a few more minutes. (This slightly thickens the soup. I love thickening my broth, if you don't, skip the flour!) Pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly. Turn heat to high and bring to a boil.

Add the salt, pepper, thyme, and orzo, and cook until the orzo is tender with a bit of a bite. Lower to a simmer, and add the zest and lemon juice. (Start with 2 Tb of juice, and add another if you want it more lemony) Season to taste with more salt and pepper, if needed. Serve hot!