Green Olive Soup

This Green Olive Soup is a surprisingly flavorful and comforting dish, perfect for a chilly day. Packed with briny green olives, fresh herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy broth, this soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. The combination of savory, tangy, and creamy flavors makes this soup an ideal comfort food, and it’s easy to prepare as well!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-packed: The briny olives, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes add depth and richness to this soup.

• Quick and easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, this soup comes together quickly for a cozy meal.

• Vegan and creamy: Made with coconut cream, this soup is vegan-friendly while still being creamy and satisfying.

• Hearty: The chickpeas and orzo provide enough substance to keep you full and content.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 large onion, diced

• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, roughly chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

• ½ cup (50 g) sun-dried tomatoes, sliced

• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 4 ounces (120 g) orzo

• 6 cups (1.5 l) vegetable stock

• 1 cup (125 g) green olives, pitted and halved (or quartered if very large)

• ½ cup (120 g) coconut cream

• 1 cup (30 g) baby spinach, roughly torn

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

directions

1. Cook the Onions and Garlic

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

• Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.

• Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Add Tomato Paste and Herbs

• Stir in the tomato paste, fresh oregano, and thyme. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.

3. Add the Rest of the Ingredients

• Add the sun-dried tomatoes, chickpeas, orzo, and vegetable stock to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

• Let the soup simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is tender.

4. Add Olives, Coconut Cream, and Spinach

• Stir in the green olives, coconut cream, and baby spinach. Cook for a few more minutes until the spinach has wilted and the olives are warmed through.

5. Season and Serve

• Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

• Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Protein boost: Add tofu or tempeh for a protein boost, or top with roasted chickpeas for added crunch.

• Swap the greens: If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can use kale or Swiss chard instead.

• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free pasta or rice instead of orzo to make the soup gluten-free.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: This soup freezes well for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave.

FAQs

Can I use canned olives instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use canned green olives if fresh ones are unavailable. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before using.

Can I make this soup spicier?

Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper to give the soup some heat.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any small pasta like ditalini or small shells instead of orzo.

Is this soup kid-friendly?

Yes, the flavors are mild enough for kids, especially with the creamy coconut broth and the subtle taste of the olives. You can also reduce the amount of olives if your child prefers a milder flavor.

Conclusion

This Green Olive Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines savory, tangy, and creamy elements in one bowl. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to warm you up on a cold day, this soup is both satisfying and nutritious. With a blend of hearty ingredients like chickpeas, orzo, and coconut cream, it’s a dish that’s as delicious as it is comforting. Enjoy a bowl of this unique soup that’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection!