Simple, Satisfying Vegan Caramelised Leek Orzo
I love cheffy dishes, and I love seeing those elegantly plated creations. I’m lucky enough to have tried some amazing vegan food from some truly special restaurants. However, sometimes it’s the simple dishes that steal the show. This simple vegan recipe, caramelised leek orzo, does exactly that. It’s not flashy, it doesn’t take a whole pantry of vegan ingredients to make. It’s honest home cooking. This is an easy one-pan recipe.
The orzo is the star of the show. In our recipe, we cook the orzo in the veg stock. When cooked this way, it has an amazing creamy texture, unlike any other pasta. It takes on the flavours of the rich and sweet caramelised leeks to become a proper satisfying weeknight pleaser. The cannellini beans add some good vegan protein and the fresh lemon is a bright burst of flavour to lighten up the whole dish. Topped with some silky vegan cream, the heat from the chilli flakes, and the delicious toasted pine nuts, this dish’s sure to become a favourite in your home. Shake things up a bit. Give our delicious caramelised leek orzo recipe a go!
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Caramelised Leek Orzo
Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or something to serve at your next gathering, this dish is sure to impress with minimal effort.
- Rich, Caramelised Flavours: The leeks get beautifully sweet when caramelised, creating a depth of flavour that’s perfect with the creamy orzo.
- Vegan Comfort Food: Packed with plant-based ingredients, this vegan recipe is comforting and nourishing without the need for dairy.
- Quick & Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and one-pan cooking, you’ll have a delicious meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Orzo
- Olive oil
- 2 medium leeks, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Pinch of salt & pepper
- 200g orzo
- 750ml vegetable stock
- 1 can (400g) cannellini beans, drained
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Big pinch of salt
For the Toppings
- Vegan cream
- Chilli flakes
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 10g toasted pine nuts
Method
1. Caramelise the Leeks
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced leeks with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden, about 10-15 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 more minutes.
2. Cook the Orzo
Stir the orzo into the pan, then pour in the vegetable stock. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the orzo is tender and the liquid has been mostly absorbed.
3. Add the Beans and Lemon
Stir in the cannellini beans, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season to taste. Spoon into bowls and drizzle with vegan cream and olive oil. Sprinkle over chilli flakes, fresh parsley, and toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.
Top Tips
- Golden Leeks – Don’t rush the leeks! Slow-cooking them until caramelised brings out their natural sweetness and depth of flavour.
- Creamier Orzo – Stirring frequently while the orzo cooks releases starch, making the dish naturally creamy without needing extra cream.
- Meal Prep for Extra Flavour – This dish tastes even better after sitting for a bit, so make it in advance and reheat with a splash of water or stock.
This Caramelised Leek Orzo is one of the easy, comforting dishes featured in our Vegan Meal Plan Cookbook. It’s the perfect example of how simple meals can be the most satisfying. We know life can get busy, so we created this meal plan to help you save time without sacrificing flavour or variety. It contains 10 delicious recipes, a handy shopping list, and a weekly meal guide. This cookbook takes the stress out of planning your meals. It’s full of fuss-free, everyday recipes that make it easy to eat well, whether you’re new to vegan cooking or just looking for something quick and tasty. If you’re ready to make your weeknight dinners easier, grab your copy of the Vegan Meal Plan Cookbook today!
Get yours here!
Prefer video recipes? Watch us make it on our Youtube Channel
Looking for More Weeknight Recipes? Try These:
- Salt & Pepper Cauliflower and Tofu Rice Bowl
- Lentil Stew with Creamy Parsnip & Butter Bean Mash
- Vegan Pumpkin Risotto
- Easy 8 ingredient roasted squash & cavolo nero pasta recipe
- Sizzling Spicy Sesame Oil Noodle
Caramelised Leek Orzo
Ingredients
For the Orzo
- olive oil
- 2 medium leeks thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Pinch salt & pepper to taste
- 200 g orzo
- 750 ml vegetable stock ( 2 stock cubes)
- 1 can 400g cannellini beans, drained
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- Big pinch salt
For the Toppings
- vegan cream
- chilli flakes
- drizzle olive oil
- fresh parsley chopped
- 10 g pine nuts toasted
Method
Caramelise the Leeks
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced leeks with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden, about 10-15 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 more minutes.
Cook the Orzo
- Stir the orzo into the pan, then pour in the vegetable stock. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the orzo is tender and the liquid has been mostly absorbed.
Add the Beans and Lemon
- Stir in the cannellini beans, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season to taste. Spoon into bowls and drizzle with vegan cream and olive oil. Sprinkle over chilli flakes, fresh parsley, and toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.
Video
Notes
