How to Make the Perfect Greek Kritharaki Pasta Soup
Greek · Easy · 45 min · 4 servings
Kritharaki, also known as orzo, is a rice shaped Greek pasta that shines in this hearty tomato and lamb broth soup with aromatics and fresh herbs. It is a beloved Greek comfort dish that combines the simplicity of pantry staples with deeply satisfying flavors.
Why this recipe works
This Greek Kritharaki Pasta Soup recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 45 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 490 calories with 26g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 250 g orzo pasta kritharaki
- 300 g ground lamb
- 400 g canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 whole onion finely diced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 liter beef or vegetable broth
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Brown the Lamb
Heat a large pot over medium high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add the ground lamb and cook, breaking it up, for 5 to 6 minutes until nicely browned. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Pour the crushed tomatoes and beef broth into the pot with the lamb. Stir to combine everything and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to develop flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Orzo
Add the orzo pasta directly to the simmering broth. Cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring frequently, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid to form a thick stew like consistency.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of warm water or broth to reach your preferred consistency. Ladle into bowls and finish with a drizzle of good olive oil and crumbled feta if desired.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground lamb → ground beef or ground turkey
- orzo pasta → small pasta shapes like ditalini or broken spaghetti
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not stirring the orzo frequently enough while it cooks which causes it to stick to the bottom of the pot
- Adding too much orzo which absorbs all the liquid and turns the soup into a solid mass instead of a brothy stew
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 490 calories, 26g protein, 58g carbs, 15g fat, 5g fiber.
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