Creamy Toasted Orzo with Asparagus, Peas & Leeks

creamy orzo featured
creamy toasted orzo

Creamy Toasted Orzo with Asparagus, Peas & Leeks

Toasted orzo pasta and sautéed green vegetables are creamed together in this light, vegan dish. Perfect for a Summer picnic. Delicious served hot, or as a cold pasta salad.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine American, Pasta
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tsp vegan butter
  • 1 tbsp vegan butter
  • 3 tbsp almond milk, unsweetened
  • 1 tbsp corn starch or corn flour
  • 1 bunch asparagus, cut into 1" pieces
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 leeks, thinly sliced and well rinsed
  • 3 tsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 shallot, diced
  • salt & pepper

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large, non-stick pan over medium-high heat with 1 tsp olive oil.
  • Add garlic and shallot and cook until fragrant, then add asparagus and a pinch of salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green, add a splash of water, then cover the pan and steam an additional 2-3 minutes until asparagus are tender crisp. Remove to a plate and set aside.
  • Add 2 tsp olive oil and the sliced leeks and a pinch of salt. Saute the leeks until they are soft and cooked down quite a bit. Remove to a plate and set aside.
  • Add 2 tsp vegan butter to the pan along with the uncooked orzo. Mix well to coat in the butter and toast until pieces of the orzo is lightly golden brown (~4 minutes). Then, add the vegetable broth and bring to a low boil. Reduce the heat to low, then cover and simmer until all liquid is absorbed (~15 minutes).
  • Meanwhile, in a small bowl, add the almond milk and cornstarch and whisk together until a slurry forms.
  • Pour slurry into orzo along with frozen peas and stir to evenly distribute.
  • Return leeks and asparagus to the pan, then continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes or until thick enough for a spoon/spatula to cleanly push the creamy orzo.
  • Add 1 tbsp vegan butter, season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Serve hot or cold!
Keyword creamy, orzo, pasta, vegan, vegetable, vegetarian
Tried this recipe?Mention @thesimpleseagan or tag #thesimpleseagan!

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