Charred Leek & Lemon Orzo

Sweet charred leeks and bright lemon in one pan. Twenty-five minutes, one pan to wash.

The Food Gene · https://thefoodgene.com/recipe/leek-lemon-orzo/

Prep
5 mins
Cook
20 mins
Yield
Serves 2
Level
Easy

Ingredients

  • 2 leeks, sliced into rounds
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 200 g orzo
  • 600 ml hot vegetable stock
  • 1 lemon, zest and juice
  • 30 g vegetarian hard cheese, grated
  • 1 small handful of parsley, chopped

Method

  1. Char the leeks. Cook the leeks in the oil over high heat for 6 minutes, turning once, until dark at the edges.
  2. Toast the orzo. Add the orzo and stir for 1 minute so it is coated in oil.
  3. Simmer. Pour in the stock. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring often, until the orzo is tender and creamy.
  4. Finish. Take off the heat. Stir in the lemon zest, juice, cheese and parsley. Season and serve.

Chef tip

Leave the leeks alone in the hot pan. Moving them stops them from charring.

Storage

Best eaten fresh. Loosen leftovers with a splash of water when reheating.

Swap it

Add frozen peas with the stock, or top with a fried egg.