Lemon Chickpea Orzo Soup - Sarah's Vegan Kitchen

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Calabrian chili paste ((optional))
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 1 medium carrot (diced)
• 2 stalks celery (diced)
• 2-4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 1/2 cup orzo (or other small pasta shape)
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (from about 2 medium lemons)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest ((optional))
• 1 cup baby spinach (about one big handful)
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 4-6 tablespoons cold water