One Pot Creamy Tomato Orzo
Think risotto but way cheaper, way easier but just as delish
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This recipe was inspired by one of my followers. Leslie reached out to me a while ago because her husband is battling cancer. She is caring for her husband as he kicks cancer's ass, but she needed some help with some easy recipes so that she can keep her strength up while she takes care of him.
So I immediately got to work to make something quick and affordable, but packed with flavor, protein and definitely filling.
I LOVE risotto. I think it's the perfect comfort dish. It is time-consuming, though, and it does take some technique to get it to come out the right way. Enter orzo, risotto’s less affluent cousin. With a similar texture to arborio (risotto) rice, you can make similar dishes that are much easier with a similar result.
Why I love this recipe in particular is that it is loaded with flavor. It's sweet, savory, creamy, crispy and has a little kick. The perfect blend of flavor and texture. It also teaches some really good, simple techniques. Primarily BUILDING flavors.
So many people rush to throw things in the pot to just cook it fast. But great cooking relies on building flavors. That means adding things at the right time of the cooking process to maximize their impact on the flavor profile. For example, when we use tomato paste, we allow it to cook down for at least 4-5 minutes because it enhances the flavor substantially.
Now, this is not a difficult recipe, but it will teach you techniques that can be applied to more intermediate/difficult dishes. That is how you build your arsenal in the kitchen. Trying new things in easier recipes will teach you how to elevate other dishes in the future.
So, Leslie, this one’s for you and all the other caregivers out there. Youse are the real heroes.
Estimated Time: 45 min.
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:
1 cup of dry orzo
2 cups of spinach
1 lb of ground beef
1/2 medium-sized onion, diced
1 tsp olive oil
dash red pepper flakes
1 tsp Italian seasoning
4-6 minced garlic cloves
15 oz tomato sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup of beef broth
3/4 cup of heavy cream
fresh grated parm
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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