Recipes, Savory, Vegan

Garlic-Mint Orzo with Cumin & Capers

Even though orzo is an Italian pasta, I feel like it doesn’t have to be cooked in a traditional Italian manner. Then again, nothing has to be cooked with rules or regulations (that’s why I love to cook!). When I think of orzo I think Italian, Moroccan and a bit Middle Eastern.

So I basically combined all those flavors in this dish. I made this dish quickly after work one night at 9:00pm, so that in itself tells you its fast, easy and definitely satisfying. Pair it with some tofu steaks, eggplants or soup/sandwich and you’re good to go! Most of these ingredients can be found in your pantry- trust me I had NOTHING in my kitchen when I made this, that’s why it’s such a jumble of ingredients, but surprisingly came out so good!

Garlic-Mint Orzo with Cumin & Capers:

  • 2 cups cooked orzo (not al dente)
  • 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
  • PAM olive oil spray
  • 3-4 cloves garlic- chopped
  • 1 tsp cumin power
  • dash garlic powder
  • dash of dried Italian herbs
  • 1-2 tbsp capers
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp red crushed pepper (please adjust to your spice level)
  • lots of coarse black pepper
  • salt
  • handful of fresh mint- finely chopped (plus a few sprigs for garnishing)

1. In a nonstick saucepan, spray with PAM and pour oil and set over medium-high heat. Add garlic and bring the heat down to medium-low. Saute until fragrant and slightly golden- do not cook on high flame, as garlic will burn and create a very bitter taste. Add cumin and capers, saute for a few minutes.

2. Add in the cooked orzo and increase flame to medium-high and saute until covered with the capers and spices. Add garlic powder, italian herbs, lemon zest and red crushed pepper. Saute for a few minutes until orzo is completely coated with spice and fragrant. Finally add the chopped fresh mint and lots of coarsely ground black pepper. Mix lightly and quickly transfer to a serving dish. Top with whole sprig of mint for garnishing. Dig in!

Serves 2

Like This? Then you may like my other Vegan Recipes!

  Sauteed Indian Okra with Homemade Masala (featured on PETA!)

  Masala Tofu Burgers (featured on PETA!)

  Vegan Saffron Cupcakes with Rose-Cardamom Frosting

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12 Comments

  1. that looks good!

  2. Looks delicious, Love orzo and lots of garlic. Very yummt.

    1. I love orzo too- it’s so versatile!

      1. Hello Ana! Your Orzo salad looks delicious! So culorfol and moist and step-by-step pictures are so cute and fun (adding more colors to orzo). It’s my first time here and I enjoyed browsing your blog very much.

  3. Mmm, looks amazing! I love orzo, and I have predictable caper-craving cycles. 😉 Wonderful dish!

  4. […] Garlic-Mint Orzo with Cumin & Capers « Chef Priyanka 2 cups cooked orzo (not al dente); 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil; PAM olive oil spray; 3-4 cloves garlic- chopped; 1 tsp cumin power; dash garlic powder; dash of dried Italian herbs; 1-2 tbsp capers; 1 tsp fresh lemon zest; 1 tbsp … […]

  5. Look very tasty, I discover orzo pasta a year ago in my blog travel to Venice, have a pasta texture but look like rice and like you show us in the recipe is a pasta very versatile

  6. That looks absolutely delicious–orzo is one of my favorite little pastas. What a great flavor combination!

  7. Yum, looks great. I’m a big fan of capers in anything!

    1. thanks! :))

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