By Debbie Braden-Lane, Branch Operations Specialist, Oregon Food Bank – Tillamook County Services
This recipe is so quick and easy to make!  Not to mention healthy and inexpensive.  Let’s focus on some of the benefits of consuming spinach.  Spinach can be added to just about anything from green salads to soups, casseroles, eggs, smoothies and more.  It packs a real punch!  Spinach has lots of fiber that is good for a healthy digestive system and heart health.  It also maintains healthy brain function, memory and mental clarity.  If cooked spinach isn’t appealing to you, toss a couple of big handfuls of fresh spinach into your garden salads or make a cold spinach salad of spinach greens topped with fresh fruit and cheese, if desired and drizzle with the juice of a fresh lemon. 
Another great way to sneak in spinach is to add it to your morning smoothie.  I like to blend Greek yogurt, fresh or frozen fruit, milk, a splash of orange juice and spinach together for a healthy smoothie that is nutritious, refreshing and delicious.  (Bonus— the grandkids love them too!)
Now, let’s get back to soup!

SPINACH TOMATO ORZO SOUP

RECIPE SOURCE:  Adapted from Babble.com
SERVINGS: 8
PREP & COOK TIME:  25-30 MINUTES
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 pound fresh spinach, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 – 15 ounce can diced Italian tomatoes with oregano and basil (not drained)
1 pound package orzo pasta
2 quarts chicken or vegetable stock
2 quarts water
Heat a large soup pot over medium heat.  Add the olive oil to the pan.  Add onions and saute until softened but not brown, about 3 to 5 minutes.  Add garlic and saute for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.  Add canned tomatoes with juice, spinach, stock, and water.  Bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium and cook for approximately 10 minutes.  Add orzo and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until orzo is tender.
Recommended additions for a balanced meal:
Add one pound of cooked, diced or shredded meat or one can of cannellini or navy beans to this recipe for added protein.  Add the protein at the same time the orzo pasta to the soup. If adding protein, reduce the orzo to half of a pound.
Serving this soup with a salad, fresh cut fruit, and whole-grain bread for a balanced meal.