Spring vegetable orzo

Spring vegetable orzo
Spring vegetable orzo

This is one of my new favourite recipes! It’s so fresh and delicious, and it’s really healthy – perfect for spring! It’s a little bit like risotto but it’s got a slightly different texture, and it’s really filling so you don’t need a huge portion. It’s best when topped with lots of parmesan (or a vegetarian alternative) and served with a large glass of white wine.

For four people, you need.

  • 350g dried orzo pasta
  • 350g asparagus, trimmed
  • 120g baby spinach
  • 120g frozen peas
  • 300ml vegetable stock
  • 300g podded broad beans (fresh or frozen – I used frozen)
  • 12 spring onions
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2-3 red chillies
  • 50g fresh parmesan (or vegetarian alternative)

What to do 

  1. Cut the tops off the asparagus and set aside. I usually make sure the tips are at least an inch long.
  2. Finely chop the spring onions and garlic and place in a bowl. Deseed and finely chop the chillies and set aside.
  3. Pop the asparagus stalks, spinach, peas, and stock in a large saucepan and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender. Blend the mixture using a food processor or with a handheld blender until it’s smooth.
  4. Next, cook the orzo according to the instructions and drain. My orzo cooked in salted simmering water for 7 mins.
  5. While the orzo is cooking, steam the asparagus tips and broad beans and drain. If you’re using frozen broad beans, you can cook them in the microwave and drain them instead.
  6. Place a large frying pan over a medium heat and add a glug of oil (or some low fat cooking spray).
  7. Add the spring onions, garlic and half the chillies and stir-fry them all together for 1-2 mins.
  8. Turn the heat up to high, add the green veggie purée and orzo and and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until piping hot.
  9. Stir in the asparagus tips, beans and half the parmesan and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  10. Serve sprinkled with the rest of the chilli and parmesan.

Enjoy!

 

Spring vegetable orzo
Spring vegetable orzo

This recipe is adapted from one on Slimming World. If you’re in the market for Slimming World friendly recipes, might I recommend She Cooks She Eats

 

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