Creamy Vegan Broccoli Orzo Bake
Indulge in this Creamy Vegan Broccoli Orzo Bake, a plant-based twist on the classic cheesy broccoli dish. This recipe offers a rich, savory flavor reminiscent of your favorite childhood comfort foods while being entirely vegan and healthy. Packed with whole wheat orzo, fresh broccoli, and a smooth, cheesy sauce made from nutritional yeast and a blend of seasonings, this dish not only satisfies your cravings but also provides a hearty serving of fiber and essential nutrients. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, this dish can be prepared in just under 30 minutes, making it a convenient option for busy lifestyles. Enjoy it hot, as a standalone meal or as a side dish, and savor the delightful creamy texture paired with the crunch of broccoli. Serve it up and watch how even your non-vegan friends will be asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
16 cups (for cooking orzo)
whole wheat orzo
2 cups (uncooked)
broccoli
1 head (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
nutritional yeast flakes
1/2 cup (none)
extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
light vegan butter
1 tablespoon (none)
plain rice milk
1 1/2 cups (none)
unbleached all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (none)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (none)
paprika
1 teaspoon (none)
onion powder
1 teaspoon (none)
seasoning salt
1 teaspoon (none)
sea salt
1 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1 dash (none)
ground marjoram
1 pinch (none)
garlic powder
1 pinch (none)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring 16 cups of water to a boil.
2
While waiting for the water to boil, chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces.
3
Once the water is boiling, add the chopped broccoli and cook for about 6 minutes until tender. Use a large slotted spoon to remove the broccoli from the pot and set it aside.
4
Add the whole wheat orzo to the same pot filled with boiling water and cook according to package instructions for 10 to 12 minutes until al dente.
5
While the orzo cooks, prepare the creamy cheese sauce. In a blender, combine the olive oil, vegan butter, rice milk, flour, cornstarch, paprika, onion powder, seasoned salt, sea salt, black pepper, marjoram, and garlic powder. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
6
Once the orzo is cooked, drain any excess water and return the pot to medium-low heat. Pour the cheese sauce over the orzo and stir gently to combine.
7
Cook the mixture for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.
8
Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand for 10 minutes to thicken before serving. You can either mix the broccoli into the orzo or serve it on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Vegan Broccoli Orzo Bake?
It is a plant-based comfort dish that provides a cheesy flavor using nutritional yeast, combined with whole wheat orzo and fresh broccoli.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The entire recipe can be prepared in just under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for whole wheat orzo to increase the fiber content.
Is this recipe entirely vegan?
Yes, all ingredients including the milk, butter, and cheese sauce base are 100% plant-based.
What gives the sauce its cheesy flavor?
The cheesy flavor comes from a combination of nutritional yeast flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt.
Can I substitute the rice milk?
Yes, you can use any plain, unsweetened plant-based milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk.
How do I cook the broccoli for this recipe?
Chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces and boil them for about 6 minutes in the same water you will use for the orzo.
How long should the orzo cook?
The whole wheat orzo should be cooked for 10 to 12 minutes until it reaches an al dente texture.
What is the purpose of the 10-minute standing time?
Letting the dish stand for 10 minutes after cooking allows the cheese sauce to thicken and coat the orzo properly.
Do I need a blender for this recipe?
Yes, a blender is used to combine the sauce ingredients to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the whole wheat orzo for a gluten-free variety and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour.
What spices are used in the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with paprika, onion powder, seasoned salt, sea salt, black pepper, marjoram, and garlic powder.
How much water is needed to boil the orzo?
You will need 16 cups of water in a large pot to boil the broccoli and orzo.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is packed with fiber from the broccoli and whole wheat orzo, and uses healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, though you may need to adjust the boiling time to avoid overcooking it.
What is the role of cornstarch in the sauce?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent to help the sauce achieve a rich, creamy consistency.
Can I serve the broccoli on the side?
Absolutely; you can either stir the broccoli directly into the cheesy orzo or serve it alongside as a side vegetable.
What kind of oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor and health benefits.
Is this dish suitable for kids?
Yes, it is a vegan version of a classic comfort food that is generally very popular with children.
How much nutritional yeast is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of nutritional yeast flakes.
Can I use vegan margarine instead of vegan butter?
Yes, light vegan butter or a similar vegan margarine will work fine for the sauce.
What is marjoram and why is it used?
Marjoram is a herb similar to oregano but sweeter and milder; it adds a subtle depth to the savory sauce.
Do I drain the orzo after cooking?
Yes, you should drain any excess water after the orzo is cooked before adding the sauce.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 ingredients in total, including spices and seasonings.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, peas, spinach, or diced carrots would also work well in this creamy bake.
What heat setting should I use for combining the sauce and orzo?
Return the pot to medium-low heat when stirring the sauce into the cooked orzo.
Is this dish high in fiber?
Yes, thanks to the broccoli and the choice of whole wheat pasta, it is a fiber-rich meal.
Can this be served as a standalone meal?
Yes, it is hearty enough to be served as a main dish, but also works well as a side.
How do I prepare the sauce ingredients?
Combine the oil, butter, milk, flour, cornstarch, and all spices in a blender and blend on high until smooth.
Can I use garlic powder or fresh garlic?
The recipe specifies a pinch of garlic powder for a smooth sauce, but you can use fresh minced garlic if you prefer.