30 minutes
Savor the creamy comfort of this easy-to-prepare one pot orzo dish, brimming with the warm flavors of coconut and red curry, and studded with tender spinach and sweet peas. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy meal for two, this recipe offers both vibrant taste and simplicity.
Dried Orzo, rinsed
cups
tablespoons
Red curry paste
tablespoons
cups
Coconut Milk, shaken
cups
Baby Spinach, washed
cups
Frozen Peas, thawed
cups
teaspoons
to taste
1. Caramelize Paste
In a medium-sized pot, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the red curry paste. Stir the paste for about 3-4 minutes or until it becomes fragrant. This step deepens the flavors of the curry and infuses the oil with spice.
2. Add Orzo
Stir in the orzo, coating it with the curry-infused oil, and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly toasted. Toasting the orzo will give it a nuttier flavor and help it absorb the sauce better.
3. Cook Orzo
Pour in the chicken stock while stirring to lift any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Stir in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. The coconut milk adds richness and a creamy texture, complementing the spice of the curry. Simmer the mixture for 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is just tender.
4. Cook Vegetables
Once the orzo is just about fully cooked, add the spinach and peas. The spinach will wilt and the peas will cook through in the hot liquid.
5. Finishing Ingredients
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fish sauce and lime juice, give the recipe a taste and adjust if needed. Serve straight away.
The key to a well-seasoned dish is tasting and adjusting as you cook. Don’t just rely on measurements—let your palate guide you.
Before adding any liquids, toast the orzo in a dry pan or with a bit of oil. This will add a nutty flavor and prevent the orzo from becoming too starchy or mushy.
Keep an eye on the orzo as it cooks. You want it to be al dente – tender with a slight bite. Overcooked orzo can turn your dish into a mushy stew.
Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier dish. Shake the can well before opening or stir the contents to integrate the cream and liquid.
A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice at the end can brighten the entire dish. Citrus cuts through the richness and enhances all the other flavors.
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