Orzo, Leek and Dill Soup – Easy Creamy Mediterranean Comfort Recipe
Orzo, Leek And Dill Soup
There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of homemade soup, especially when it’s simple, fresh, and made with love. As a woman in my forties who truly appreciates the beauty of seasonal ingredients and slow, mindful cooking, I find myself returning again and again to recipes like this Orzo, Leek and Dill Soup. It’s elegant enough to serve to guests, yet cozy enough for a quiet evening at home.
This soup has a delicate balance of flavors. The leeks bring a gentle sweetness, the orzo adds heartiness without making it too heavy, and the fresh dill gives everything a bright, uplifting finish. It’s the kind of recipe that feels nourishing in every sense light, satisfying, and wonderfully aromatic.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing meals for the week, or simply craving something soothing, this soup is one of those timeless recipes you’ll want to keep close.
Why You’ll Love This Orzo, Leek And Dill Soup
- Light yet satisfying – The orzo gives it body, but it still feels fresh and not overly rich.
- Full of flavor – Leeks and dill create a beautiful, delicate combination.
- Easy to make – No complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Perfect for any season – Light enough for spring, cozy enough for fall.
- Family-friendly – Mild flavors that both adults and children enjoy.
Is Orzo, Leek And Dill Soup Healthy?
Yes, this soup can absolutely be part of a balanced and wholesome diet.
- Leeks are rich in fiber and contain vitamins such as A, C, and K.
- Dill offers antioxidants and a refreshing herbal note.
- Orzo provides carbohydrates for energy.
- When made with vegetable broth and moderate olive oil, it remains light and nourishing.
You can easily adjust it to suit your needs. For example, use whole wheat orzo for extra fiber, or reduce the pasta slightly if you prefer a lighter bowl.
How to Make Orzo, Leek And Dill Soup
Making this soup is surprisingly simple. The key is gently sautéing the leeks to bring out their natural sweetness before adding the broth and orzo.
Step-by-step overview:
- Clean and slice the leeks carefully.
- Sauté them in olive oil until soft.
- Add broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the orzo and cook until tender.
- Finish with fresh dill and a touch of lemon if desired.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
It’s truly that easy and your kitchen will smell wonderful.
Ingredients for Orzo, Leek And Dill Soup (with amounts)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 large leeks (white and light green parts only), thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- ¾ cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ¼ cup light cream for a slightly richer texture
Add Your Touch to Orzo, Leek And Dill Soup
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is.
- Add shredded cooked chicken for extra protein.
- Stir in baby spinach at the end for more greens.
- Replace dill with parsley if you prefer a milder herb flavor.
- Add a small diced potato for a thicker texture.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top before serving for a deeper flavor.
Don’t be afraid to adjust it to your taste that’s what home cooking is all about.
Serving Suggestions for Orzo, Leek And Dill Soup
This soup pairs beautifully with:
- Warm crusty bread or sourdough
- A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Roasted vegetables on the side
For a lovely presentation, serve it in white bowls and garnish with fresh dill and a drizzle of olive oil.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
Even simple recipes have a few small details that make a big difference:
- Not cleaning leeks properly – Leeks often hide sand between their layers. Rinse them thoroughly.
- Overcooking the orzo – It can become too soft if cooked too long.
- Boiling too aggressively – Keep it at a gentle simmer for best texture.
- Adding dill too early – Add it near the end to preserve its fresh flavor.
- Skipping seasoning adjustments – Always taste before serving.
Another Recipes Like This Recipe
If you enjoy this soup, you might also love:
These recipes share the same comforting and fresh qualities.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, but keep in mind that the orzo will absorb more broth as it sits. You may need to add extra broth when reheating.
Can I freeze it?
It’s best to freeze it without the orzo and add freshly cooked pasta later for the best texture.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Simply skip the cream and ensure your broth is dairy-free.
Can I use dried dill?
Fresh dill is recommended for the best flavor, but in a pinch, use 1 teaspoon of dried dill.
How long does it last in the refrigerator?
Stored in an airtight container, it keeps well for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Orzo, Leek and Dill Soup is one of those gentle, dependable recipes that brings comfort without being heavy. It celebrates simple ingredients and transforms them into something elegant and deeply satisfying. As someone who values both flavor and balance in everyday cooking, I can say this is a recipe that truly earns a permanent place in your kitchen.
Take your time preparing it, enjoy the aroma filling your home, and serve it with love. Sometimes the simplest meals are the ones we remember most.
Recipe Details
Servings: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: Approximately 280 calories per serving
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Orzo, Leek And Dill Soup
Course: Lunch u0026amp; Dinner4
servings15
minutes25
minutes280
kcalIngredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 large leeks (white and light green parts only), thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
¾ cup orzo pasta
2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional but recommended)
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: ¼ cup light cream for a slightly richer texture
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add sliced leeks and cook for 5–7 minutes until soft and slightly translucent.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle boil.
Add the orzo pasta and reduce heat to a simmer.
Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
Add salt, black pepper, and lemon juice (if using).
Turn off the heat and stir in fresh chopped dill.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve warm, garnished with extra dill.
Notes
- Clean leeks thoroughly to remove any sand between layers.
Do not overcook the orzo, as it continues absorbing liquid after cooking.
If the soup thickens too much, add warm broth before serving.
For extra creaminess, stir in 2–3 tablespoons of light cream at the end.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If making ahead, cook the orzo separately and add before serving to maintain texture.




