Orzo & chickpea soup

• olive oil↗2 tbsp tbsp
• onion↗1 1

  chopped

• carrots↗2 2

  chopped

• celery sticks↗2 2

  chopped

• tomato purée↗2 tbsp tbsp
• garlic cloves↗3 3

  chopped

• rosemary or thyme sprigs↗3 3
• vegetable stock↗1 litre l
• chopped tomatoes400g can g
• chickpeas↗400g can g
• parmesan rind↗

  or vegetarian alternative (optional)

• orzo↗150g g
• extra virgin olive oil↗

  to serve

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Heat the olive oil in a deep pan over a medium-high heat and cook the onion, carrots and celery, including any leaves for 15 mins until softened. Stir in the tomato purée, garlic cloves and rosemary or thyme sprigs. Cook for a few minutes until the purée is caramelised. Pour in the stock, chopped tomatoes, chickpeas (and the liquid from the can) and parmesan rind, if you have one. Simmer 15 mins.

2. 2

   Pour boiling water over the orzo in a heatproof bowl and set aside for 15 mins. Drain the orzo, add to the pan and cook for 5-8 mins until the orzo is tender. Fish out and discard the rosemary stalks and cheese rind, then season well. Drizzle over extra virgin olive oil and grated cheese to serve.