Description
This creamy vegan orzo recipe features tender orzo pasta combined with a luscious sauce made from sweet potato and butternut squash, enriched with caramelized onions and nutrient-packed kale. Finished with fresh cherry tomatoes, this comforting dish is perfect for a wholesome and flavorful plant-based meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups Orzo Pasta
- to taste Salt
- to taste Ground Black Pepper
Vegetables & Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 cup White Onion, sliced
- 1 Sweet Potato, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 Butternut Squash, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup Vegetable Broth
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 cup Kale, chopped
- 1 handful Cherry Tomatoes, halved
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the orzo pasta, and cook for about 10 minutes until tender. Once cooked, strain, cover, and set aside to keep warm.
- Caramelize the Onions: In a medium-sized skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced white onions and cook slowly for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to achieve a soft, brown, and caramelized texture. Reduce heat as necessary.
- Cook Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash: While the onions cook, bring another large pot of water to a boil. Add the peeled and chopped sweet potato and butternut squash. Boil until tender, about 10 to 15 minutes, then strain the vegetables.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: Place the boiled sweet potato and squash in a blender along with the vegetable broth, soy sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Keep the sauce warm by covering it.
- Sauté the Kale: Remove the caramelized onions from the skillet and add the chopped kale. Cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes until the kale turns bright green and begins to wilt.
- Combine and Serve: In a large serving bowl or skillet, mix together the cooked orzo, caramelized onions, sautéed kale, and creamy sweet potato squash sauce. Top with halved cherry tomatoes. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting vegan dish.
Notes
- Caramelizing onions slowly is key to developing their sweet, rich flavor.
- You can substitute butternut squash with pumpkin or acorn squash if preferred.
- For added protein, consider tossing in cooked chickpeas or crumbled tofu.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste, especially the salt and paprika.
- This dish reheats well, making it excellent for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan, American
Keywords: vegan orzo, creamy orzo pasta, caramelized onions, kale recipe, vegan main dish, sweet potato sauce, butternut squash, plant-based meal
