Description
A creamy and flavorful vegan mushroom orzo dish combining sautéed mixed mushrooms, aromatic shallots, garlic, fresh herbs, and a touch of plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan for a comforting and delicious meal suitable for plant-based diets.
Ingredients
Mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 1/2 lb mixed mushrooms (sliced)
Aromatics and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 2 medium shallots (finely diced)
- 4 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
Liquids and Grains
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 1/2 cup orzo
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 1 cup plant-based cream
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons vegan Parmesan
- 8-10 fresh basil leaves (shredded)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Mushrooms: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet and add half of the sliced mushrooms. Cook until golden brown, then remove the mushrooms from the pan and set aside. Repeat this process with the remaining olive oil and the other half of the mushrooms. Once both batches are cooked, set all mushrooms aside.
- Cook Aromatics: Melt the plant-based butter in the same skillet. Add the finely diced shallots and chopped garlic, cooking them until softened and fragrant. Stir in the red chili flakes and fresh thyme to release their flavors.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry white wine and allow it to bubble and reduce slightly, concentrating the flavors and lifting any browned bits off the skillet bottom.
- Toast Orzo & Simmer: Add the orzo to the skillet and toast it for about a minute to enhance its nuttiness. Pour in the vegetable stock and plant-based cream, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and creamy.
- Combine & Finish: Stir the cooked mushrooms and vegan Parmesan into the orzo mixture until well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to taste.
- Serve: Top with shredded fresh basil leaves and serve immediately. Optionally, sprinkle additional vegan Parmesan on top for extra flavor.
Notes
- Using mixed mushrooms adds a variety of textures and richer flavor.
- Plant-based butter and cream keep the dish vegan-friendly while ensuring creaminess.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute orzo with a gluten-free pasta alternative.
- White wine can be omitted or replaced with additional vegetable stock if preferred.
- For a spicier dish, increase the red chili flakes to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan, Mediterranean-inspired
