Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp plant-based butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 2 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (soy or almond)
- 2 heaping cups broccoli florets, cut into smaller pieces
- 1 cup shredded plant-based cheddar cheese (e.g. Violife)
- 1/4 cup plant-based parmesan shreds (e.g. Follow Your Heart) plus more for topping
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: In a medium or large pot, heat the plant-based butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic, carrots, and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, shredded carrots, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook for a few more minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Cook orzo: Pour in the uncooked orzo and the vegetable broth. Add the Dijon mustard, stir to combine, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add milk and broccoli: Stir in the unsweetened non-dairy milk and the broccoli florets. Cover again and cook for another 4-5 minutes, until the broccoli is tender and cooked through.
- Incorporate cheeses: Stir in the shredded plant-based cheddar and parmesan shreds until melted and creamy, coating the orzo and vegetables evenly.
- Finish and serve: Serve the broccoli cheddar orzo immediately. Optionally, sprinkle with additional parmesan, freshly ground black pepper, or nutritional yeast if desired.
Notes
- Use plant-based butter and cheeses to keep this recipe vegan.
- Adjust the cooking time slightly if you prefer softer or firmer orzo.
- Feel free to add a dash of nutritional yeast for an extra cheesy flavor boost.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated with a splash of plant-based milk to maintain creaminess.
- For additional protein, consider stirring in cooked chickpeas or tofu cubes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
