Mediterranean Onion-Orzo Soup

Submitted by Kittencalrecipezazz

"If you are an onion-lover such as my family is, I suggest to try this soup! I also suggest to make this a day in advance, the flavors intensify quite a lot! I use 8 large onions for this recipe, one more won't hurt, also the onions must be caramalized for this soup, just softening will not do! You can add in some dry white wine if desired."

 

• Ready In: 46hrs
• Ingredients: 16
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 8 -9 cups sweet onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh garlic (or to taste)
• 2 -3 teaspoons dried oregano (or to taste)
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme (or to taste)
• 2 -4 tablespoons dried chili pepper flakes (optional or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 (28 ounce) can Italian-style tomatoes (undrained and chopped)
• 2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 5 cups chicken broth
• salt and black pepper
• 1 large bay leaf
• 1⁄2 cup orzo pasta
• crouton
• grated parmesan cheese or shredded swiss cheese

directions

1. Heat butter and oil in a large stockpot oven medium heat; add in the onions with 3 tablespoons white sugar and cook for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occaionally until lightly browned and caramalized (adding in the garlic, chili flakes, thyme and oregano the last 5 minutes of cooking).
2. Add in the broth, undrained tomatoes, tomato sauce and bay leaf; bring to a boil and simmer for about 45 minutes on low heat, adding in the orzo the last 10-15 minutes of simmering; cook until the pasta is tender.
3. Season with salt and lots black pepper.
4. Ladle into bowl, then top with croutons, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese or Swiss cheese.

Reviews

[FrenchBunny]

Excellent soup Kitten. I simmered it for about 1 1/2 hours and couldn't stop from eating a few spoons full every time I stirred it. Mine had a nice kick to it from adding at least 3 TBS of dried chili peppers. The flavors were really amazing with the carmalized onions and such a filling soup too. After cooking I stuck it in the fridge for 2 days before putting in the freezer, after I took out some for lunch. We really enjoyed this soup. I used your croutons recipe Recipe #125034 to put on top with some grated cheese. Yummy stuff. Thanks for your recipe Kitten.

 

[MissLadybug]

This is really really good. I can't believe it could get any better after sitting for a night. A must try.

 

[Julie Bs Hive]

A thick, dark soup my GD and her BF inhaled leaving me with a small bowlful. I followed to the letter the recipe as posted using only 2 tbsp of chili pepper flakes. Made for ZWT5. Thanks, KITTEN.