One Pot Orzo

Orzo is a type of pasta that’s shaped like rice. It’s quick and easy to cook, and children love it! Irish courgettes and tomatoes are plentiful in late summer/early autumn, making this an ideal back to school dinner!

Prep:
20
mins
Cook:
20
mins
Shallow Frying
Vegan Friendly
High Fibre
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Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil

2 red peppers, sliced

1 onions, diced

1 courgette, diced

100g mushrooms, diced

2 garlic cloves, crushed or finely chopped

1 x 400g tin of tomatoes or 4-5 large fresh tomatoes, chopped

1 tin of lentils

200g orzo

500ml vegetable stock (chicken stock can be used if not vegetarian/vegan)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika½ teaspoon chilli flakesSalt and freshly ground pepper

To Serve

Zest of ½ lemon (optional)Handful of fresh basil leaves (optional)

Parmesan or Pecorino cheese (leave out for vegans)

Method

  • Heat the oil in a saucepan over a medium heat.  Add peppers, onion, courgette, and mushrooms and sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir through the garlic, smoked paprika, chilli flakes, pepper and a little salt. 
  • Strain the lentils and add to the saucepan along with the orzo.  Stir to combine with the vegetables.
  • Add in the stock and tomatoes and leave to simmer for about 10-15 minutes (depending how you like your pasta).  Stir regularly to prevent sticking to the pan.
  • Serve topped with a little lemon zest, torn basil leaves and/or grated parmesan cheese depending on your preference

Nutritional Information

  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
  • No added sugar
  • Healthy
  • High fibre

Tips

  • Any pasta can be substituted in if you don’t have orzo.
  • Make this dish vegan by using vegetable stock and leaving out the grated parmesan cheese.   
  • Any leftovers can be heated up the following day.