This One-Pot Lemon Orzo recipe with LightLife Smart Dogs is about to become your new go-to easy meal!
Thank you LightLife for sponsoring this post.
If you have been following me for a while, you know I'm always on the hunt for new plant-based protein sources. It's how I keep my creativity alive and gets me excited to come up with new recipes to share!
Why you will want to try this one-pot lemon orzo:
Easy to make: I have found that the key to healthy eating is simplicity, and one-pot meals are as simple as things get. Minimal prep and dishwashing leave you more time to enjoy your dish!
Makes great leftovers: Orzo and pasta, in general, make great leftovers! Orzo is great served chilled, or simply reheat in the microwave.
Customizable: You can add so many different vegetables to this recipe, and it will turn out great! Mushrooms or Spinach would pair greatly.
Meet your health and wellness goals without feeling weighed down:
As a registered dietitian, I always talk about the importance of adequate protein in your meal. Having enough protein is essential to give your muscles building blocks and helps you feel full and satisfied. For this recipe, I'm using LightLife Smart Dogs as my protein source. LightLife Smart Dogs contain 8g of protein per serving, zero cholesterol and no saturated fats, leaving you full and nourished without the feeling of being weighed down
Ingredients & Substitutions:
4 LightLife Smart Dogs, sliced into bite-sized pieces. You can find them in the refrigerated produce aisles at your local grocery stores. I got mine from Target!
2 tsp truffle-infused olive oil. You can use regular olive oil if truffle-infused oil is not available. However, I have found that such a simple step can elevate your dish to the next level.
2 cups vegetable stock, plus more as needed. You can also use water. I make my vegetable stock at home. It's a fun and easy way to reduce food waste while maximizing nutrition from ingredients I'm already using.
1 cup uncooked orzo (rice-shaped pasta). Orzo recipes are very popular nowadays, so this should be fairly easy to find. I got mine from Target as well, and Trader Joe's has some too!
1 medium red onion, finely chopped. You can use any onion you have at home.
12 oz cherry tomatoes, halved. I love using multicolor ones to add more color to the dish. However, red cherry tomatoes work just as well.
Fresh oregano. About 1 tablespoon, or to taste. I grow my herbs in my kitchen. Small confession: I'm actually not a good plant mom. However, herbs are some of the easiest plants to keep alive, especially oregano and mint. So don't be intimidated to give it a try. If I can grow my herbs, trust me when I say anyone can too.
Dried Aleppo peppers, to taste. I'm Syrian and grew up using this vibrant red spice. Feel free to use any dried red pepper you have at home. You can also completely skip this step if spicy food isn't your thing.
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh lemon juice, for serving. I like mine more on the lemony side, so I used an entire lemon. Feel free to adjust according to your taste preference.
Directions:
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the truffle-infused olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced Smart Dogs and chopped red onion to the pot. Cook and stir until the Smart Dogs are nicely browned and the onions are softened, about 5 minutes
3. Once the Smart Dogs and onions are browned, add the uncooked orzo to the pot. Season the dish with Aleppo peppers (or red pepper flakes), salt, and pepper, adjusting the amounts to suit your taste preferences.
4. Pour in the vegetable stock, making sure it covers the orzo and ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally during cooking, and if needed, add more vegetable stock to achieve your desired consistency.
5. While the orzo is cooking, prepare your cherry tomatoes by halving them and chopping the fresh oregano.
6. Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the cherry tomatoes and fresh oregano. Let the mixture cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften slightly.
7. Remove the pot from heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish for a burst of citrusy flavor.
8. Serve the Truffle-Infused Orzo with Smart Dogs and Cherry Tomatoes hot as a delicious and flavorful meal on its own or pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying dining experience.
9. Enjoy your delicious and aromatic Truffle-Infused Orzo with Smart Dogs and Cherry Tomatoes
Why Plant Based?
Eating plant-based protein offers a wide variety of benefits for both your health and the planet.
Some of these benefits include:
Improved Health: Plant-based proteins are generally lower in saturated fats and cholesterol, which can contribute to heart disease and other health issues.
Nutrient-Rich: Plant-based proteins are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, providing a diverse array of nutrients that support overall health and well-being.
Inclusivity: Plant-based proteins can be incorporated into a wide range of dishes, offering diverse and delicious meal options for people following cultural or religious dietary restrictions.
Allergen-Friendly: Plant-based proteins are generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, and shellfish, making them suitable for individuals with food allergies or intolerances.
I hope you enjoyed learning this recipe as much as I enjoyed creating it for you! If you try this recipe or any other let me know what you think in the comments below.
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