Follow these steps to prepare your delicious Lemon Rice Soup with ease:

1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather and measure all the ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in Broth: Add the vegetable or chicken broth to the pot. Increase the heat to bring it to a gentle boil.
5. Add Rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat and stir in the cooked rice. Allow the soup to simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld.
6. Season and Add Lemon: Stir in the juice and zest of the lemon. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Simmer: Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and the flavors to harmonize.
8. Serve: Remove the soup from heat. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.

By following these steps, you’ll produce a Lemon Rice Soup that is not only flavorful but also visually appealing!