The Food Gene

Charred Leek & Lemon Orzo

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

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

Prep
5 mins
Cook
20 mins
Serves
2
Level
Beginner
  • 2 leeks, sliced into rounds and rinsed well
  • 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
  • Salt and black pepper
  1. Char the leeks. Cook the leeks in the oil over high heat for 6 minutes, turning once, until dark at the edges. (6:00)
  2. Toast the orzo. Add the orzo and stir for 1 minute so it is coated in oil. (1:00)
  3. Simmer. Pour in the stock. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring often, until the orzo is tender and creamy. (10:00)
  4. Finish. Take off the heat. Stir in the lemon zest, juice, cheese and parsley. Taste, then add salt and pepper if needed — the stock is already salty. Serve.

Chef’s 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.

Nutrition

Approximate values per serving
Energy 596 kcal 2,494 kJ
Fat 21.1 g
of which saturates 5.6 g
Carbohydrate 77.7 g
of which sugars 7.4 g
Fibre 6.3 g
Protein 20.7 g
Salt 3.71 g