Fusion Cuisine, Italian Cuisine, Main Dishes
Spicy Tomato Orzo Recipe One Pot & Vegan
There’s something magical about the fusion of orzo and sun-dried tomatoes, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. In this culinary adventure, we’ll explore the delightful realm of Spicy Tomato Orzo, a vegan Italian fusion recipe that promises a burst of taste in every mouthful.
This delicious plant-based dish is made in under 30 minutes! If you are a fan of one-pot recipes you can check out my collection of One Pot Vegan Meals here.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Picture this: 300g of orzo, sun-dried tomato oil, cherry tomatoes, hot chili flakes, smoked paprika, tomato paste, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, veg broth, spinach, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The harmony of these ingredients is the key to the dish’s success.
Helpful Tools
To embark on this gastronomic journey, arm yourself with a dutch oven or a large pot. These kitchen essentials ensure your cooking process is seamless, resulting in a perfect Spicy Tomato Orzo every time.
How To Make This Recipe
Start by heating sun-dried tomato oil and sautéing diced onion.
Introduce cherry tomatoes, garlic, chili flakes, and smoked paprika. Dive into the rich, smoky flavor profile of smoked paprika, an ingredient that adds depth and complexity to the Spicy Tomato Orzo. Learn why this spice is a game-changer in the culinary world.
Stir in tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, and orzo, adding vegetable broth gradually.
Orzo and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: A Perfect Pairing
Uncover the chemistry between orzo and sun-dried tomatoes. The marriage of textures and tastes elevates this dish to a whole new level, making it a must-have in your recipe repertoire.
Let the orzo absorb the broth until al dente, then fold in spinach and balsamic vinegar.
Elevating the Dish with Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar isn’t just a dressing; it’s a secret weapon. Explore how this tangy elixir enhances the overall taste of spicy vegan tomato orzo, turning a simple dish into a gourmet delight.
Serve with fresh basil or vegan parm, and savor the exquisite flavors.
Tips & Tricks
- Ensure gradual broth addition for perfectly cooked orzo.
- Let the spinach wilt just enough, maintaining its vibrant color and nutritional value.
- Experiment with vegan parmesan or fresh basil for added depth.
FAQ
Absolutely! Prepare a batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
While cherry tomatoes add sweetness, regular tomatoes work too; just adjust the quantity.
Experiment with nutritional yeast or fresh basil for a personalized touch.
The heat level is adjustable; start with a smaller amount of chili flakes and add more to suit your taste.
Spicy Tomato Orzo
Ingredients
- 300g orzo
- 1-2 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomatoes or olive oil
- 1 small red onion, finely diced (or 2 shallots)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (2 cups)
- 1-2 tbsp hot chili flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 280g chopped sun-dried tomatoes (1 small jar)
- 2 ½ cups veg broth (600ml)
- 2 large handfuls spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp thick balsamic vinegar
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a dutch oven or large pot over medium heat, add sun-dried tomato oil, and diced onion. Cook for about 3 mins, then add in cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 mins.
- Next, add in minced garlic, chili flakes, cherry tomatoes and smoked paprika and stir constantly for 1 min.
- Add in tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, and orzo. Cook for 1-2 mins then add in half the vegetable broth.
- Once the broth has been absorbed, keep adding more broth a little bit at a time until the orzo is cooked al dente.
- Add in chopped spinach, and thick balsamic vinegar and stir to combine. Allow the spinach to cook for 1 min.
- Serve with fresh basil or vegan parm if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
Conclusion
In conclusion, Spicy Tomato Orzo is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors. From the zing of sun-dried tomatoes to the warmth of smoked paprika, every element comes together to create a culinary masterpiece. Embrace the vegan twist and elevate your dining experience with this delightful recipe.
The flavours in the dish were to tasty I honestly feel like this is something I would expect to find at a nice vegan restaurant. Very impressive I’m going to try out more of your recipes soon! You gained a new follower!
Thank you so much Sadie!! That is so nice and thank you for following!
This recipe was so amazing. My husband and I made it last weekend and really hit the spot!
Thats gerat! and thank you so much for trying the recipe and for the review!
Wow this orzo was absolutely delicious. Such nice bold flavors. Loved the spice and texture.
Thank you so much Aaron!
Amazing recipe the spices tasted delicious. I will 100% be making this again for some of my other plant based friends when they come over for dinner.
Thanks so much Jackie! I hope your friends enjoy this as well!
This vegan orzo was SO delicious and satisfying.
Thanks so much Brianna!
Loved this recipe I added a can of chickpeas to this and a bunch of Parmesan cheese on top and was so delicious!
Thank you for trying the recipe! Adding chickpeas and vegan Parmesan cheese sounds like a delicious twist.
Delicious Smokey flavor and was pretty simple to make thank you
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it! 😊
Can I make this recipe with other noodles?
Yes absolutely! Just make sure to cook the noodles according to the package instructions. I made this with pasta shells and it was delicious although not quite as good as with the orzo. Hope that helps! 🙂