Greek cuisine is based on a Mediterranean diet pattern that emphasizes the use of a few types of meat and carbs, as well as a wide variety of vegetables. Olive oil, known for being helpful in lowering cardiovascular risk, is always present. Furthermore, numerous fresh local ingredients, like fish, meat and vegetables, are used in Greek cuisine.

This cooking style shares a lot of ingredients and techniques with many other countries, such as Italy, and those from the Balkans, Turkey, and Middle East.

Many ingredients, many flavors

Since it is a Mediterranean diet, it not only uses a lot of vegetables (tomato, potato, cucumber, onion, eggplant), but also wheat, and particularly wine. Olives (especially those from Kalamata), hilopites' pasta, cheeses, lemon juice, herbs, bread, and yogurt are among some of the standout elements, and a few extra unusual ingredients like okra (a green vegetable with a fine and elongated shape) or vine leaves are also part of this marvelous cuisine.

Greek food is a beautiful blend of ingredients that appeal to all tastes, from simple grilled dishes and vegetarian meals to multilayer casseroles and exquisite desserts. Traditions of healthy cuisine in the countryside have expanded over the centuries and today Greece is famous for its wide range of flavors perfect for family meals, festive meals, and elaborate presentation dishes.

Orzo in Greek cuisine

When we talk about Greek cuisine, we could spend hours and hours without even mentioning half of the endless delicious dishes this culture has given to the world. That’s why here we will focus only on those that use orzo pasta as part of their ingredients.

Orzo is an Italian ingredient made from durum wheat semolina and classified as dried pasta. Its name comes from the Latin word Hordeum, which means barley, yet its form is similar to that of a flattened and more elongated rice grain.

Orzo adds a unique flavor to any dish, and, just like pasta or rice, it is an excellent ingredient for making soups that will make you feel you’re in Greece.

We brought to you a special selection of orzo soup recipes that you surely want to try at home:

Chicken, carrot and lemon orzo soup

This is what you will need:

• 2 boneless chicken breasts.

• 2 pc of carrot.

• 1 pc of leek.

• 1 liter of chicken broth.

• 2 lemons.

• 1 cup of Orzo.

• Virgin olive oil.

• Salt.

Instructions:

1. Heat the broth in a saucepan and when it boils add the chicken and cook for 35 minutes.

2. Peel the carrot and slice and chop the leek.

3. Sauté the vegetables in a skillet with a little oil and pepper.

4. Remove the chicken and cut it into strips.

5. Add orzo, chicken, and sofrito to the broth.

6. Aromatize with the lemon juice and zest and let it boil all together for about 8-10 minutes.

7. Salt and pepper test and rectify if necessary.

8. Serve in bowls or deep dishes and garnish with your favorite aromatic herb and some lemon slices. And you’re ready to take this fantastic soup to the table!

Greek tomato and orzo soup

This soup is perfect to enjoy on a cold winter day at home. All you need is:

• ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil.

• 2 ½ Freshly harvested ripe tomatoes.

• 1 ½ teaspoon of salt.

• 3 teaspoons of chopped fresh oregano.

• ¾ gallon of water.

• ¾ cup of orzo.

• 1 large chopped onion.

• 4 cloves of garlic, crushed.

• Greek cheese

• three-quarters cup of orzo.

Instructions:

1. Pour the olive oil into the soup pot over low heat. Garlic and onion should be chopped and added with olive oil.

2. Sauté until onions get slightly brownish. Stir in the fresh oregano.

3. Add the chopped tomatoes.

4. Season with a touch of salt.

5. Pour in the water and stir it in. Allow simmering over low heat.

6. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook for 30 to 45 minutes on low heat.

7. Serve with oregano and parmesan cheese.

The result of each of these recipes will be a soup that is perfect for any occasion, they can also work as a very good side dish that everyone will love.