Step-by-step tutorial included below. Use whole wheat orzo, if you’re on a more strict Mediterranean diet. I remember the first time I made this recipe was totally on a whim and out of sheer need for a quick dinner. I had run out of time that day, and didn’t have much in the fridge or pantry. One giant zucchini from my friend Wendy’s garden sat on the counter, and I decided it would have to be dinner. Rummaging through my pantry, I came out with some orzo pasta, a can of chickpeas, and some canned diced tomatoes. And so this easy vegetarian orzo recipe was born. Like my creamy garlicky version, this delicious Mediterranean orzo recipe is perfect for a vegetarian main or side dish. And you’ll see how easy it is to make in the step-by-step tutorial below.
What is Orzo?
Maybe all pasta is deemed easy and family friendly, but for some reason, orzo pasta is one that totally seems to appease my family, and so I always add it to my shopping list. If you’re not familiar, orzo is a tiny rice-shaped pasta. Rice and orzo are not the same (if you’re curious, check out the differences here). But, orzo is quick-cooking and super versatile, it can really be a life-saver in the kitchen. Here are just 3 orzo ideas for you, if you have not already seen them on the blog before…
Easy Orzo Recipes
1- Plain orzo makes the perfect bed to a saucy shrimp dish like this one. 2- Throw orzo in your soup the last few minutes of cooking; this Mediterranean shrimp orzo soup is a big fan favorite! 3- And if you want a hearty Greek-style dinner (the Yiayia-approved kind), make this easy baked chicken orzo
Mediterranean Orzo Recipe with Zucchini and Chickpeas
Any of the above orzo ideas are so worth trying! But today is all about this vegetarian orzo recipe with zucchini and chickpeas. In this recipe, zucchini and chickpeas are cooked in a chunky, garlicy tomato sauce. Cooked orzo is added last-minute. We finish with a splash of lemon juice and a generous handful of fresh mint. If mint is not available to you, feel free to use parsley or basil, either will be great here. I know I say in the recipe that toasted pine nuts are optional. They are expensive, but if you do have some, they totally add another layer of texture and nutty flavor that I really appreciate here.
Step-by-Step for How to Make This Orzo Recipe
Related recipes to try
Mediterranean-Style Toasted Orzo with Parmesan and Sun-Dried Tomatoes 2. Saute zucchini in extra virgin olive oil for about 5 minutes or so until softened (a large braiser or deep heavy pan like this one works great!)
Add garlic (lots of it), tomatoes, chickpeas and spices (black pepper, paprika, coriander and cumin.) Add the little bit of pasta cooking water that you reserved earlier.
(continued) Bring to a boil for 5 minutes, then turn heat to low/medium-low, cover and let simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes or so. (You’re looking for everything to soften and the flavors to develop.)
Add cooked pasta to the chunky mixture of zucchini, chickpeas and tomato sauce. Stir in lemon juice. Off heat, add fresh mint and, if you like, toasted pine nuts. Enjoy! Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas Baked Zucchini with Thyme and Parmesan 17 Chickpea Recipes that aren’t Hummus Browse all recipes here. Join my free e-mail list *This recipe was recently updated with new information and media for readers’ benefit. Enjoy! 4.9 from 33 reviews
