Citrus Delight: Orange Soup with Rice

1.Peel the oranges and remove any seeds. Cut them into segments and set aside.

2.In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

3.Add the orange segments to the pot and stir well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to release the orange juices.

4.Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.

5.Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.

6.Stir in the cooked rice, thyme, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.

7.Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.