Gorging on all that sweet stuff around the holidays makes me really hungry for some good, clean, simple food. Like this Lime Orzo with Green Peppers which I put together in a few minutes one recent night.
Orzo is a popular pasta around our house, partly, I imagine, because it reminds the rice-loving Desi of his favorite grain. I almost always have some in the pantry. My only peeve is that I can never find a wholegrain version where I shop.
You could add almost any veggie to this dish-- zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower or even some greens would be great in here. Next time I will also add some cooked chickpeas or white beans to give the orzo a protein boost.
This is a really simple recipe but the mint and the lime and the peppers add layer upon layer of flavor, making it quite special. Try it. You will be hooked.
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Vegan Lime Orzo with Bell Peppers
Ingredients
- 2 cups orzo
- 5 cups water
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoon dried mint
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 green bell peppers, cut into a small dice
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of half a lime. Add more if you like your orzo tangier.
- 2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Heat the water along with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, cayenne, salt, black pepper, mint and orzo. Cook for about 15 minutes until the orzo is al dente and has absorbed almost all of the water.
- While the orzo is cooking, heat a saucepan with the remaining olive oil. Add the onions and green peppers and saute until the onions are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and saute for a minute. Now add the cooked pasta and mix.
- Stir in the lime juice and add salt and ground pepper if needed.
- Serve hot.
marystestkitchen
Mmm looks good. I've never made orzo before.
Pallavi Kulkarni Desai
This looks just like long grain rice, at least I like how simple it is and so doable!
Can this be served as a cold salad?
Vaishali
Hi Pallavi, yes, would be lovely as a cold salad.
cookingwithsapana
I can see the outcome as the spices used here are wonderful !