Description
A vibrant and creamy Mediterranean Orzo Bake featuring tender orzo pasta cooked in vegetable broth with chickpeas, turmeric, and fresh herbs. This vegan and flavorful casserole is topped with refreshing cucumber, vegan tzatziki, dill, and optional vegan feta, making it a perfect wholesome meal for four.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo (dry)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- 2 tbsp plant-based yogurt (heaping tbsp)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp salt
- 15 oz chickpeas (1 can drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
For Serving
- ½ cucumber (medium, cubed)
- 1¼ cup fresh dill
- Vegan tzatziki (or dill dressing)
- Vegan feta (as desired)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for baking the orzo casserole.
- Combine Ingredients: In a casserole dish, mix together the dry orzo, vegetable broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, plant-based yogurt, minced garlic, turmeric, dried dill, and salt until everything is well combined.
- Add Chickpeas and Tomatoes: Stir in the drained chickpeas and cherry tomatoes to evenly distribute throughout the mixture.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
- Uncover and Stir: Remove the foil carefully, stir the orzo to check tenderness. If the orzo still needs more cooking or there is excess liquid, return to the oven uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture is creamy and set.
- Rest and Serve: Let the dish sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Serve warm topped with vegan tzatziki or dill dressing, fresh cubed cucumber, dill, and vegan feta if desired.
Notes
- Ensure the casserole dish is covered tightly to allow the orzo to cook evenly and retain moisture.
- You can adjust the amount of turmeric and dill to your taste preference for more or less flavor intensity.
- Vegan tzatziki can be store-bought or homemade for added freshness.
- Letting the bake rest before serving helps the dish thicken and improves texture.
- Feel free to add additional vegetables or swap chickpeas for another legume if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
