Chickpeas and orzo make this a hearty soup and a meal in itself. It's an ancient Roman dish. Complete the meal with warm Cauliflower Salad, another Italian dish, which is from Campania, an area that includes Naples.
Leeks can have dirt inside. An easy way to clean leeks is to make long cuts from the base of the leek to the tip of the leaves forming strips and run cold water through the leaves.
Helpful Hints:
_ Acini di pepe or other small pasta can be used instead of orzo.
Countdown:
_ Prepare all ingredients.
_ Start soup.
_ While soup cooks, make cauliflower salad.
Shopping List:
To buy: 1 bunch celery, 1 leek, 1 can reduced-sodium diced tomatoes, 1 can reduced-sodium chickpeas, 1 package orzo, 1 small piece Parmesan cheese, 1 head cauliflower, 1 contained, pitted black olives, 1 large container low-sodium, fat-free chicken broth, 1 bottle reduced-fat oil and vinegar dressing and 1 bunch parsley (optional).
Staples: olive oil, salt and black peppercorns.
