Description
This Creamy Vegan Orzo will be your new favorite quick dinner. This recipe has a lot of flavor for only taking 15 minutes to make!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 16 oz of Dried Orzo (see note 1 below)
- 0.5 cup Cashews + About 1 Cup Boiled Water (see note 2)
- 1 to 1.25 cups Reserved Starchy Pasta Water (see note 3)
- 3-4 Sun Dried Tomatoes (About 1/2 Cup) (see note 4)
- 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice: If you're using fresh lemon for your lemon juice, you can also add a pinch of lemon zest for even more flavor.
- 0.5 to 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 2 Tablespoons Nutritional Yeast
- 2 Tablespoons Garlic Powder
- 2 Tablespoons Onion Powder
Instructions
- Start the Orzo: Add water and a bit of salt to a large pot and bring to a boil. Then add your dried orzo and stir occasionally, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan because even in boiling water, orzo can sometimes stick. Keep an eye on it. Some folks like to cook till al dente and some like their orzo a little softer (we do). Just take a little bite every couple of minutes to ensure the pasta is cooked to your preference.
- Soak the Cashews: While the water comes to a boil, microwave or boil the 1 cup of water in a kettle. Add the cashew to a bowl and then cover with the boiled water. Cover the bowl with a plate to help with the softening process. Softened cashews will blend into a cream much more easily.
- Blend: Strain the Cashews and then add to a high-speed blender. Add the pasta water, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder as well. Blend until smooth.
- Add to Orzo: Strain your tender orzo pasta and then add it back to the empty pot. Add the sauce from the blender and then mix together.
- Serve: Add to a bowl and top with your add-ons. Enjoy with a little vegan garlic bread and your favorite veggie for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Note 1: This recipe can be made gluten free with gluten free orzo. You can also use other types of pasta for this recipe, though it wouldn't be orzo. Also the cooking times may vary depending on what type of pasta you use. Other short pasta options include ditalini, elbows, or even stelline pasta like we used in our Vegan Pastina.
- Note 2: You can make a creamy orzo with raw sunflower seeds instead! You'll want to soak them in the same method described below for the cashews. Other options include silken tofu, hemp seeds, canned coconut milk, boiled potatoes, or white beans such as cannellini beans.
- Note 3: If you forgot to grab some before straining the orzo, don't worry! A little water from the kitchen sink will work in a pinch or vegetable stock or vegetable broth would also work. You could also use a plain/unflavored dairy-free milk, like soy milk or cashew milk for an even more creamy sauce.
- Note 4: We used sun dried tomatoes in oil for our recipe, but you can use the oil-free kind will also work since they're going to be blended up.
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Stove Top, Blender
- Cuisine: American, Italian