Turmeric Soup with Chickpeas, Orzo, and Spinach

The golden warmth of turmeric infuses every spoonful of this soup, creating a comforting embrace that’s perfect for chilly evenings. As the chickpeas soften and meld with the vibrant turmeric broth, they take on a slightly nutty flavor, adding depth to the dish. The orzo, tender yet hearty, provides the perfect balance, soaking up the turmeric-infused broth with every bite. And then there’s the spinach—its subtle earthy flavor and soft texture offer a burst of freshness that ties everything together beautifully. You can practically taste the health benefits in each serving, with turmeric bringing its anti-inflammatory power to the table in a way that’s both delicious and nourishing.

The soup’s balance of flavors is a celebration of the cozy simplicity that home-cooked meals can bring. If you like, you can add a little squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten it up, or a dollop of plain yogurt for a creamy finish. It’s one of those dishes that only gets better as it sits, the flavors deepening over time, making leftovers something to look forward to. I always find myself sneaking back to the fridge for just one more bowl. It’s so easy to make and even easier to fall in love with—this soup is definitely a keeper for any season.

Key Ingredients in Turmeric Soup with Chickpeas, Orzo, and Spinach

Each ingredient in this soup plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor, from the aromatic spices to the wholesome, hearty additions. Together, they create a vibrant and nourishing dish that’s as comforting as it is satisfying.

– **Olive oil**: Adds a silky richness to the base of the soup, helping to sauté the aromatics and bring out the flavors of the spices.

– **Onion**: Diced and sautéed until soft, onion provides a sweet, savory foundation that balances the earthiness of the spices and enhances the overall flavor.

– **Garlic**: Minced garlic adds a fragrant, slightly pungent note that complements the turmeric and spices, infusing the broth with warmth and depth.

– **Fresh ginger**: Grated fresh ginger introduces a zesty, peppery kick that pairs perfectly with the turmeric, giving the soup an extra layer of brightness.

– **Ground turmeric**: The star of the show, turmeric delivers its signature golden hue and earthy, slightly peppery flavor, not to mention its health benefits like anti-inflammatory properties.

– **Ground cumin**: A warm, nutty spice that brings a depth of flavor, cumin enhances the savory side of the soup and balances the brightness of the turmeric and ginger.

– **Ground coriander**: This spice adds a citrusy, slightly sweet note that brightens up the flavor profile and complements the cumin and turmeric beautifully.

– **Ground cinnamon**: Just a pinch of cinnamon adds a subtle warmth and complexity, rounding out the flavors without overpowering the soup.

– **Ground black pepper**: A touch of black pepper heightens the flavors of the spices, especially the turmeric, making each bite even more aromatic and satisfying.

– **Vegetable broth**: The base of the soup, vegetable broth provides a savory backdrop that allows all the flavors to meld together while keeping the dish light and nourishing.

– **Cooked chickpeas**: These soft, nutty legumes add protein, heartiness, and a satisfying texture to the soup, soaking up the flavorful broth as they cook.

– **Orzo pasta**: Tender and absorbent, orzo provides a satisfying bite and helps thicken the soup slightly, making it feel like a comforting meal in a bowl.

– **Fresh spinach**: This leafy green adds a burst of freshness, its earthy flavor balancing the richness of the broth while giving the soup a beautiful pop of color.

– **Lemon juice**: A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the entire dish, adding a refreshing tang that lifts the flavors and gives the soup a lively finish.

– **Salt**: Essential for bringing all the flavors together, a pinch of salt enhances the savory elements and makes every bite even more delicious.

– **Fresh cilantro (optional)**: Garnishing with fresh cilantro adds a burst of herbaceous flavor and color, completing the soup with a fresh, vibrant note.

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

STEP 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Allow it to warm up, so it’s ready to sauté the aromatics.

STEP 2: Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. The onion should become fragrant and tender, forming a sweet base for the soup.

STEP 3: Add the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger to the pot. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant and the ginger releases its zesty aroma.

STEP 4: Stir in the ground turmeric, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, and ground black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices, allowing their flavors to bloom and infuse the oil.

STEP 5: Pour in the vegetable broth, stirring to combine with the spices and onion mixture. The broth will begin to pick up the lovely golden color from the turmeric.

STEP 6: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Let it cook, simmering slowly, so all the flavors can meld together.

STEP 7: Add the cooked chickpeas and orzo pasta to the pot. Stir to combine, then continue simmering for 8-10 minutes until the orzo is tender and the chickpeas are warmed through.

STEP 8: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and beautifully green.

STEP 9: Add the lemon juice and stir to incorporate, giving the soup a bright, tangy lift.

STEP 10: Season with salt to taste, adjusting the flavor as needed. A pinch at a time will help enhance all the spices and bring the soup to perfection.

STEP 11: Remove the pot from heat and ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to capture all that delicious broth, chickpeas, and tender orzo.

STEP 12: Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. A sprinkle of vibrant green will add freshness and a pop of color.

STEP 13: Serve immediately and enjoy your turmeric soup with chickpeas, orzo, and spinach! Perfect for cozying up with a bowl of warmth and flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Turmeric Soup with Chickpeas, Orzo, and Spinach

1. Pair it with a Side of Warm, Crusty Bread: There’s nothing better than a bowl of this turmeric soup alongside a slice of warm, buttered crusty bread. It’s the perfect vehicle for soaking up that flavorful broth, and trust me, you’ll want to dip every last bite. A thick slice of sourdough or a rustic baguette would be ideal—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.

2. Top with a Dollop of Creamy Yogurt: For an extra creamy finish, add a spoonful of plain yogurt on top right before serving. It adds a cool, tangy contrast to the warm spices and enriches the soup’s texture. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, swirl in some herbed yogurt for an even more flavorful twist.

3. Sprinkle with Toasted Seeds or Nuts: Want to add a little crunch? Toasted pumpkin seeds or slivered almonds are a delightful way to elevate this soup. They add a satisfying texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender orzo and chickpeas, plus a little nutty flavor that complements the turmeric perfectly.

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

Storing leftover turmeric soup is a breeze, and the good news is that this dish actually gets better with time, as the flavors continue to meld together. To keep it fresh and delicious, let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days—just be sure to give it a good stir before reheating, as the orzo might absorb some of the broth, making it thicker.

If you’re looking to store it for a longer period, freeze the soup! Let it cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth if needed to get it back to that perfect, comforting consistency.

One thing to note is that the spinach can sometimes lose its vibrant color when stored for longer periods, so you may want to add fresh spinach when reheating for an extra burst of green. Either way, you’re in for a satisfying, flavor-packed meal—whether you’re enjoying a freshly made batch or savoring leftovers!

Conclusion

And there you have it—your very own bowl of cozy, vibrant turmeric soup with chickpeas, orzo, and spinach! This dish is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something that’s not only delicious but also nourishing. From the earthy warmth of the turmeric to the tender chickpeas and the burst of freshness from the spinach, every spoonful is a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re warming up after a chilly day or simply craving something comforting, this soup will always hit the spot.

I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this soup as much as I do. It’s one of those recipes that makes you feel like you’re truly taking care of yourself, while also indulging in something delicious. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear what you think. Maybe you’ve got your own little twist on it, or a special side you paired it with? Or maybe you just want to tell me how it turned out—I’m always up for a good kitchen chat!

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out if you’ve got any questions or need help along the way. Happy cooking, friends, and enjoy every spoonful of this vibrant, flavorful soup!

Print Recipe

Turmeric Soup with Chickpeas, Orzo, and Spinach

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 30 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 45 mins

Calories: 400

Description

A warm, golden bowl of turmeric soup bursting with cozy flavors! Nutty chickpeas, tender orzo, and fresh spinach swim in a fragrant, earthy broth, infused with the vibrant depth of turmeric. Comforting, nourishing, and full of vibrant zest!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

• 1 tablespoon ground turmeric

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground coriander

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1 cup cooked chickpeas

• ¹⁄₂ cup orzo pasta

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Salt to taste

• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant.
4. Stir in the ground turmeric, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, and ground black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and release their aroma.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth, stirring to combine with the spices and onion mixture.
6. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.
7. Add the cooked chickpeas and orzo pasta to the pot. Stir to combine, and continue simmering for 8-10 minutes until the orzo is tender.
8. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
9. Add the lemon juice and stir to incorporate.
10. Season with salt to taste, adjusting the flavor as needed.
11. Remove the pot from heat and ladle the soup into bowls.
12. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
13. Serve immediately and enjoy your turmeric soup with chickpeas, orzo, and spinach.

Note

• Sautéing the onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant helps build a flavorful base for the soup.
• Toast the spices well to release their full aroma and depth before adding the broth.
• For a heartier soup, add extra vegetables like carrots or celery.
• Use homemade vegetable broth for a more robust and rich flavor.
• Adjust seasoning with more lemon juice or spices based on personal preference.

Keywords: turmeric chickpea soup, orzo spinach soup, healthy turmeric soup recipe, vegetarian chickpea soup, spinach and orzo soup recipe