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Homemade Thermos Tomato Orzo Soup for Easy School Lunch

homemade thermos tomato orzo soup for school lunchbox - featured image
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A comforting, thermos-friendly tomato orzo soup that stays piping hot until lunchtime. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this kid-approved recipe is perfect for school lunches and make-ahead meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 cup dried orzo pasta
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk (optional)
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and starting to turn golden at the edges.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir to combine. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Add the orzo and stir well. Increase heat to medium-high until it returns to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes, until the orzo is al dente (slightly firmer than usual).
  7. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Let the soup cool slightly for 5-10 minutes before filling thermoses.
  9. To pack for school: Fill a preheated thermos with the soup, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top. Seal tightly.

Notes

For best results, preheat the thermos with boiling water for 5 minutes before filling. Undercook the orzo slightly as it will continue cooking in the thermos. The soup thickens as it sits, so add extra broth when reheating if needed. Double the batch for freezing.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato orzo soup, thermos soup, school lunch, kid-friendly, make-ahead soup, easy soup recipe

Find it online: https://cooksyla.com/homemade-thermos-tomato-orzo-soup-for-easy-school-lunch/