Cheesy Orzo Stuffed Peppers
https://foodloversmarket.co.za/recipes/cheesy-orzo-stuffed-peppers/
This super cheesy warm dish is perfect for the cooler weather that is upon us. These orzo stuffed peppers are simple, vegetarian, and SO GOOD. Roasted peppers stuffed with a creamy cashew and coconut orzo, topped with cheese, fresh basil and chilli flakes and lightly grilled again.
The pepper cups can be made as a vegetarian side dish or be eaten as a meal on their own.
Cooking Methods
- Cooking
- Roasting
Serves
8Prep Time
20 minutesCooking Time
40 minutesIngredients
- 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
- Olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 160ml (2/3 cup) raw cashew nuts
- 400ml (1 tin) coconut milk
- 1L (4 cups) water
- 500ml (2 cups) Moccagatta Pasta Rice (Orzo)
- 3 spring onions, sliced
- Fresh basil, to taste, torn
- Fresh parsley, to taste, chopped finely
- 160ml (2/3 cup) mature cheddar cheese, grated
- 160ml (2/3 cup) parmesan cheese
- 10ml (2 tsp) chilli flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the pepper halves on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil and season to taste. Place in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes.
- Heat a medium sized pot with a dash of olive oil over a moderate heat. Add the onion and carrot and sauté for about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and sauté for another minute or two while stirring.
- Add the cashew nuts to the pot and allow to toast slightly for a few minutes. Once toasty, add the coconut milk and water and allow to heat through. Season to taste and remove from the heat.
- Allow to cool for about 10 minutes, then transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth. This will form the sauce for the orzo to cook in.
- Place the sauce back in the pot over a low heat. Add the orzo and cook gently for about 25-30 minutes or until cooked and super creamy. Add the spring onions, herbs and 2/3 of the cheese.
- Dish the creamy orzo in the baked pepper cups and top with more cheese.
- Place back into the oven for about 10 minutes until the cheese on top has melted.
- Sprinkle with chilli flakes (optional) and garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
Do I have to boil or cook the peppers before stuffing them?
Some recipes do not call for this, but this recipe calls for roasting the peppers first, otherwise, they may end up too crunchy/raw.
What is Orzo?
Orzo (or Risoni) is a type of pasta, that is the shape of a long grain of rice. Orzo is traditionally made from flour, but it can also be made of whole grain. It is often made with semolina, a type of flour made from durum wheat.
