Vegetarian One-Pan Orzo Bake: A Delicious and Simple Meatless Monday Recipe

Looking for a hearty, flavorful, and super easy meal for Meatless Monday? This vegetarian one-pan orzo bake is exactly what you need! It's packed with fresh veggies, fragrant herbs, and a delightful mix of cheese that will leave everyone asking for seconds. The best part? It’s made in just one dish, making cleanup a breeze. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn step-by-step how to whip up this tasty, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• Cherry tomatoes
• Mushrooms (sliced)
• Broccolini (you can substitute with broccoli)
• Red onion (thinly sliced)
• Fresh rosemary
• Fresh thyme
• Salt (to taste)
• Olive oil
• Orzo pasta
• Vegetable stock (or broth)
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese (for that melty, gooey top)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Veggies:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Start by adding all your fresh veggies to a large baking dish. Toss in cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, broccolini, and thinly sliced red onion. These vegetables bring a wonderful variety of flavors and textures to the dish. The tomatoes will burst and get juicy, while the mushrooms add an earthy depth, and the broccolini (or broccoli) gives a nice crunch.
2. Season with Herbs:
   Next, sprinkle fresh rosemary, thyme, and a pinch of salt over the veggies. These herbs will infuse your dish with a fragrant, Mediterranean aroma that will make your kitchen smell divine.
3. Drizzle with Olive Oil:
   Now, drizzle a good amount of olive oil over the vegetables. Use your hands (or a spatula) to mix everything together, making sure all the veggies are coated. The olive oil helps the veggies roast nicely and brings out their natural sweetness.
4. First Round of Baking:
   Place the baking dish in the oven and let the veggies roast for about 15-20 minutes. This initial roast softens the vegetables and intensifies their flavors. When you see the tomatoes starting to burst and the veggies getting some golden edges, it's time to move on to the next step.
5. Add Orzo and Vegetable Stock:
   Gently remove the baking dish from the oven. Now, add in the orzo (a small, rice-shaped pasta) and pour over vegetable stock. The orzo will soak up all the flavors from the veggies and herbs, making it extra delicious. Give everything a good stir to ensure the orzo is evenly distributed.
6. Cover and Bake Again:
   Cover the dish with foil and pop it back into the oven for about 15 minutes, or until the orzo has absorbed most of the liquid and is perfectly cooked.
7. Final Touches:
   Once the orzo is tender, remove the dish from the oven again. Now for the fun part! Scatter a good amount of grated Parmesan cheese across the top. Then, using the back of a spoon, gently press down on those lovely roasted cherry tomatoes to help them release their juices and mix into the dish. This enhances the dish with an extra punch of flavor.
8. Add Mozzarella and Bake Again:
   Top the entire dish with mozzarella cheese for that irresistible cheesy layer. Place it back in the oven for a final bake, just long enough for the mozzarella to melt and turn golden and bubbly.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
   Take the dish out of the oven, and you're ready to serve! The melted mozzarella on top, combined with the savory vegetables and perfectly cooked orzo, makes this meal both comforting and delicious. Serve it hot, straight from the oven.

source: https://www.tiktok.com/@erekasfood/video/7137732093123071274?q=vegetarian%20recipes&t=1729100508591