Green Olive Soup

This green olive soup is a delightful blend of flavors that warms your soul. Perfect for cozy evenings or casual gatherings, it showcases the unique taste of green olives paired with fresh herbs and sun-dried tomatoes. This creamy soup not only tastes fantastic but also brings comfort to chilly days, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Nutritious: Packed with chickpeas and spinach, it’s a wholesome option loaded with protein and vitamins.
• Versatile: Enjoy it on its own or pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Flavorful: The combination of briny olives, fresh herbs, and coconut cream creates a rich and satisfying taste.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Its unique flavor profile makes it an instant hit at dinner parties or family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing this green olive soup requires just a few essential tools that will ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A spacious pot allows you to cook all the ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring ingredients gently without scratching your cookware.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements help achieve the perfect flavor balance in your soup.

Ingredients

This green olive soup is surprisingly flavorful and comforting, just the perfect bowl of comfort food to enjoy on a chilly day. With briny olives, fresh herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy broth, this soup simply feels like a warm hug!

For the Base

• 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)

For the Body

• 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes (sliced)
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 4 ounces orzo
• 6 cups vegetable stock

For Flavor and Creaminess

• 1 cup green olives (pitted and halved or quartered if very large)
• 1/2 cup coconut cream
• 1 cup baby spinach (roughly torn)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to Make Green Olive Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating up some olive oil in a big pot over medium heat. Throw in the diced onion and cook it for about 5 minutes until it’s soft and translucent.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs

Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste, fresh oregano, and thyme, cooking for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the sundried tomatoes, chickpeas, orzo, and vegetable stock to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to let it simmer.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

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

Step 5: Finish with Olives and Spinach

Stir in the green olives, coconut cream, and baby spinach. Allow a couple of minutes for the spinach to wilt and the olives to warm up.

Step 6: Season to Taste

Taste your delicious green olive soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot for maximum comfort!

How to Serve Green Olive Soup

Serving green olive soup is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Whether you’re enjoying it as a cozy dinner or a light lunch, consider these serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve this soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread for dipping. The bread complements the creamy broth perfectly.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish your bowl with additional chopped fresh oregano or thyme. This adds a burst of flavor and freshness to each spoonful.

Drizzled with Olive Oil

• A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top enhances the richness and adds depth to the soup’s flavor.

Accompanied by a Salad

• Pair the soup with a crisp green salad. A simple vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup.

With Grated Cheese

• For those who enjoy cheese, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or pecorino on top just before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

Served with Lemon Wedges

• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the soup for a bright, tangy finish that contrasts beautifully with the creamy elements.

How to Perfect Green Olive Soup

Perfecting your green olive soup is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to help you achieve soup perfection.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality olives make a significant difference in taste. Always opt for fresh over dried when possible.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Sometimes, just a pinch more can elevate the entire dish.
• Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to add spices like crushed red pepper flakes for heat or smoked paprika for depth.
• Cook Orzo Al Dente: To avoid mushy pasta, cook orzo until it’s just tender—this will help maintain its texture in the soup.
• Blend for Creaminess: For an ultra-creamy texture, blend part of the soup (after removing some solids) before adding back in the olives and spinach.
• Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and let it sit in the fridge overnight for flavors to meld.

Best Side Dishes for Green Olive Soup

To create a well-rounded meal around your green olive soup, consider these delightful side dishes that complement its unique flavors.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic butter toast is perfect for soaking up every drop of this delicious soup.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.
3. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon dressing provides protein and texture alongside your soup.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted seasonal vegetables offer a savory side that pairs beautifully with the flavors of olive soup.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Mini stuffed peppers filled with rice, veggies, and herbs make an excellent hearty side.
6. Pita Chips with Hummus: Crunchy pita chips dipped in hummus add both crunch and flavor that goes well with the smoothness of the soup.
7. Couscous Salad: Fluffy couscous mixed with herbs and lemon makes for a light yet satisfying addition to your meal.
8. Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese serves as a rich base that complements your olive-centric flavors beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making green olive soup can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is key to achieving the best flavor and texture.

• Bold Flavor Choices: Many people underestimate the importance of fresh herbs. Always use fresh oregano and thyme for a more vibrant taste.
• Bold Onion Cooking: Sautéing onions too quickly can lead to uneven cooking. Cook them slowly until they are soft and translucent for the best base flavor.
• Bold Olive Selection: Using unpitted olives can make serving difficult. Always pit your olives before adding them to the soup for ease of eating.
• Bold Broth Quality: A low-quality vegetable stock can dilute the flavor. Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought stock to enhance the soup’s depth.
• Bold Overcooking Orzo: It’s easy to overcook orzo, turning it mushy. Monitor the cooking time closely to ensure it remains al dente.
• Bold Seasoning Adjustments: Forgetting to taste before serving can lead to bland soup. Always adjust seasoning at the end for optimal flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Green Olive Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container.
• Best used within 2-3 months.

Reheating Green Olive Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making green olive soup that might help you enjoy this recipe even more.

What makes Green Olive Soup unique?

Green Olive Soup stands out due to its briny olives combined with fresh herbs and creamy coconut, creating a rich flavor profile.

Can I use different types of olives in Green Olive Soup?

Yes! While green olives are recommended, you can experiment with black olives or Kalamata for varied flavors.

How do I enhance my Green Olive Soup?

You can add roasted red peppers or additional herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor and freshness.

Is Green Olive Soup vegan-friendly?

Absolutely! This recipe uses vegetable stock and coconut cream, making it suitable for a vegan diet.

Can I customize the ingredients in Green Olive Soup?

Certainly! Feel free to add veggies like carrots or celery based on your preference while maintaining the core ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This green olive soup is a delightful combination of flavors that will warm you up on chilly days. With its creamy texture and savory notes, it’s perfect as a starter or main dish. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices!