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Mediterranean cuisine is celebrated for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and numerous health benefits. Rooted in the culinary traditions of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, this cuisine emphasizes the use of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats like olive oil. The Mediterranean diet has been linked to numerous health benefits, such as heart health, improved brain function, and weight management.
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Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup

Looking for a light and comforting meal? Try Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup! This delightful dish combines tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and zesty lemon for a nourishing experience year-round. Packed with lean protein and wholesome ingredients, it's perfect for cozy dinners or when you're feeling under the weather. Dive into Mediterranean flavors that not only taste good but are also good for you! #MediterraneanDiet #HealthySoup #ComfortFood #LemonChickenSoup #HealthyEating #JoinTheJoyOfCooking

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 medium onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 large carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

6 cups chicken broth

1 cup orzo pasta or rice

1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 lemon (zest and juice)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley for garnishing

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.

    Cook the Chicken: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Then, place the chicken breasts in the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Stir in the oregano, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil and reduce heat to a simmer.

      Simmer: Cover the pot and allow it to simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

        Remove Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot and set them aside on a cutting board.

          Cook Orzo: Add the orzo pasta (or rice) to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes.

            Shred the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

              Combine Ingredients: Once the orzo is cooked, return the shredded chicken to the pot along with the fresh spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir well and let cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

                Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                    15 minutes | 40 minutes | Serves 6