Asparagus & Chestnut mushroom Creamy orzo pasta

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Orzo pasta

Cook time: 20-30 minutes

Serves: 4-5 people

Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta that can be traditionally prepared as pasta or cooked and served in much the same way as rice

This vegan quick pasta dish is inspired by my love of rich and creamy simple pasta dishes like a carbonara. The recipe is very simple and straight forward, an excellent choice of dinner if you don’t want too much effort going into a meal.
Not only is this dish is extremely moorish, it benefits from many nutritional values that will help you maintain a healthy diet.

Asparagus low in fat and calories (one cup sets you back a mere 32 calories), but it also contains lots of soluble and insoluble fiber, making it a good choice if you’re trying to lose weight

Asparagus also had antioxidant effects that could help your body fight damaging free radicals. When preparing asparagus, try not to either overcook it (hence why we add it right at the end before adding the pasta in this recipe) as it can negate some of nutritional benefits.

Ingredients

  • 500g Orzo pasta

  • 250g Chestnut mushrooms

  • 200g Fresh asparagus

  • 1 medium red onion

  • 2tsp coconut oil

  • 1 Tablespoon of dijon mustard

  • 100ml Coconut cream

  • 1tsp Rock salt

  • 1tsp Black pepper

  • 1tsp Chilli flakes

  • 2tsp Garlic granules

Preparation

  1. Bring to boil a pot of boiling water and place the pasta in it, adding a pinch of salt and a little drizzle of olive oil.

  2. Boil for 5 -6 minutes until it’s al denté, remove and strain then set aside.

  3. In a separate heated pan add the coconut oil followed by the red onions (sliced) and gently fry until the onions become translucent.

  4. Slice the mushrooms length ways then add to the pan with onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes.

  5. Begin to season by adding the salt, pepper, garlic granules, chilli flakes and dijon mustard then stir.

  6. Pour in the coconut cream and allow it to simmer for 5 minutes before adding the asparagus.

  7. Once the asparagus is in the pan, you can now add the cooked orzo pasta that you set to one side earlier cook for another 5-6 minutes stirring occasionally. Taste so ensure your seasonings are enough for you and then you will be ready to serve.

  8. Add some vegan cheese on top if you like otherwise enjoy as is.

Nancy OdogwuComment