Ingredients
– 1 to 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 1 large chopped onion (yellow or white, shallots can be substituted)
– 2 chopped carrots (can be substituted with celery or diced bell peppers)
– 3 packed cups chopped kale (spinach or Swiss chard can be substituted)
– 2 cloves grated garlic (garlic powder can be used in a pinch)
– 1 teaspoon rosemary (or dried oregano or thyme)
– 4 tablespoons tomato paste (tomato purée can be substituted)
– 2 cans chickpeas (15 oz each) drained and rinsed, or 3 cups cooked chickpeas from scratch
– 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for richer flavor), plus 1 to 2 cups more as needed
– 1 cup orzo pasta (or ditalini, small shells, or elbow pasta with adjusted cooking time)
– ¾ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
– Black pepper to taste
– Red pepper flakes to taste
– Optional: grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon for serving
Instructions
1-First Steps: Mise en Place and Heating: Gather your ingredients like chopped onion, carrots, kale, and garlic, then heat a large skillet over medium. This helps avoid any rush and ensures your chickpeas and orzo cook evenly.
2-Sauté Aromatics: Add the olive oil, onion, carrots, kale, and a pinch of salt to the skillet. Cook for about 4 minutes until the onion softens and the kale wilts, building a rich base for your dish.
3-Add Flavors and Simmer: Stir in the garlic, rosemary, and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the chickpeas, broth, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
4-Cook the Orzo: Remove the lid, add the orzo and extra broth if needed, then simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking, and let it finish with the pan’s warmth.
5-Finish and Serve: Adjust seasonings to taste and serve with a drizzle of olive oil or lemon. For variations, try the tips in our meal prep guide to adapt it for your needs.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🧅 Allow onions, carrots, and kale to soften fully for a sweeter base.
🥬 Add kale early to break down fibers for tender greens.
🍲 Stir orzo frequently to prevent sticking and adjust broth to your preferred consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 453
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 444mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 79g
- Fiber: 13g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 0mg