High-Protein Marry Me Orzo 

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon olive oil (can be replaced with 1 tablespoon water to water fry) 
• 1 yellow onion, finely diced 
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped 
• 2 tablespoons (30 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped 
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 
• 1 tablespoons tomato paste 
• ½ teaspoon red chilli flakes 
• 1 teaspoon mixed herbs 
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 
• 120 g dry orzo 
• 2 cups (375 g) cooked butter beans 
• 1½  cups (355 ml) vegetable stock (low sodium) or water 
• 2 tablespoons cashews 
• 300 ml soy milk 
• 2 tablespoons (15 g) nutritional yeast 
• 2 cups (60 g) baby spinach, roughly chopped 
• 1½ tablespoons (25 ml) lemon juice 
• 1 handful of fresh basil 
• salt and pepper to taste

Method

To a pan, add the olive oil and onions and cook for a couple of minutes on a medium heat. 

Add the pepper and sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring regularly. 

Add the garlic, tomato paste, chilli flakes, mixed herbs, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Stir, and cook for 2 minutes. 

In the meantime, blend the cashews, soy milk and nutritional yeast. Add to the pan along with the orzo, butter beans, and vegetable stock. Let it simmer covered, for 12 minutes (or according to the orzo packet instructions), stirring regularly. Add extra broth if needed. Taste to ensure the orzo is thoroughly cooked. 

Add the spinach and lemon juice, cook until the spinach is just wilted. 

Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Top with fresh basil and enjoy!