Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 shallots (thinly sliced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
- fresh basil (for garnish)
Pantry and Refrigerated Items
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter
- 1 1/2 cups dried orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt & pepper to taste
- 4 cups vegetable broth (add more if needed)
- 13.5 ounce can full fat coconut milk
- 1 cup cooked cannellini beans
- vegan parmesan (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Veggies: Thinly slice the shallots and mince the garlic. Set aside for later use.
- Melt Vegan Butter: Add the vegan butter to a pot and melt it over medium heat.
- Sauté Shallots and Garlic: Once the butter has melted, add the sliced shallots and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 3-5 minutes until shallots are translucent and garlic is fragrant.
- Toast Orzo and Seasonings: Add the dried orzo, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well and toast everything together for about 1 minute to enhance flavors.
- Add Liquids and Beans: Pour in the vegetable broth, canned coconut milk, cooked cannellini beans, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Cook Orzo: Cook the mixture uncovered on medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent sticking, until the orzo is al dente and fully cooked.
- Incorporate Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the pot and stir it into the cooked orzo. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve: Remove the orzo from heat and serve immediately. Top with halved cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and vegan parmesan. Enjoy your creamy Tuscan Orzo!
Notes
- Continuous stirring during orzo cooking is important to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- You can add extra vegetable broth if the orzo absorbs too much liquid and appears dry while cooking.
- For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the orzo before adding liquids as suggested in the recipe.
- Vegan parmesan can be substituted with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tuscan
- Diet: Vegan