QUICK N EASY LEMON ORZO RECIPE 

QUICK N EASY LEMON ORZO RECIPE 

Table of Contents

You’ll be needing a big spoon for this wonderfully creamy pasta bowl with silky lemon orzo, baby spinach and peas. Oh, you’ll also need around 10-minutes to get this on the table. This is fast food at its most fabulous.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: 12 minutes 

Servings: 3 

INGREDIENTS For QUICK N EASY LEMON ORZO RECIPE 

▢1 tablespoon olive oil

▢1 leek white only, finely sliced (use a small white onion in a pinch)

▢3 garlic cloves minced

▢2 teaspoon dried  oregano

▢1 cup un cooked orzo

▢¼ teaspoon sea salt

▢2 cups vegetable stock

▢½ cup dairy-free milk

▢zest and juice of 1 lemon

▢⅓ cup green peas  frozen or fresh

▢1 tablespoon vegan  butter  spread

▢1 cup finely sliced spinach

▢¼ cup vegan parmesan (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS For QUICK N EASY LEMON ORZO RECIPE 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet or pan over low-medium heat. Add the sliced leek and cook, stirring regularly, for 3 to 4 minutes or until the leek is soft.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for a minute before stirring in the dried oregano and the orzo (risoni).
  3. Stir the mixture together and then add the vegetable stock, the lemon zest and juice and the dairy-free milk. Turn the heat up to medium-high and bring the mixture up to a boil before reducing the heat again to a simmer.
  4. Cook the orzo for around 7 minutes, stirring regularly to make sure it doesn’t stick to the pan, adding the peas at the 5-minute mark. You want it almost al dente.
  5. Remove the orzo from the heat, stir in the sliced baby spinach and a tablespoon of vegan butter and set it aside for a minute for the spinach to wilt and the orzo to finish cooking.
  6. Serve with a cook crack of pepper and some fresh herbs. I often use parsley or fresh basil.
  7. Add parmesan cheese if you like although it isn’t necessary. Serve and enjoy.
See also  Honey Garlic Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti

NOTES:

Alternative Topping Suggestions

  • finely sliced kale
  • asparagus spears
  • sliced rainbow chard
  • vegan parmesan
  • lots of pepper!
  • roasted chickpeas served on top
  • sauteed shredded oyster mushrooms
  • basil
How long can a keep leftover orzo?

You can refrigerate leftover risoni in a sealed container in the fridge for a day or two. While it will be delicious it won’t be as “saucy” after refrigeration.

Can I freeze this lemon orzo?

Yes. Allow the risoni to cool completely before popping it in to a freezer-proof container and freezing it for up to 3 months.

NUTRITIONAL INFO:

Calories: 321kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 889mg | Potassium: 344mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2245IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 124mg | Iron: 2mg