Cajun Orzo Chickpeas
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
265 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Cajun
Cajun Orzo Chickpeas
Description
Cajun Orzo Chickpeas is a savory dish combining orzo pasta and chickpeas cooked in a broth infused with Cajun seasoning, ginger-garlic paste, and a tomato ingredient like ketchup or tomato paste. The preparation starts with sautéing onion until translucent, followed by adding spices and a tomato base. Orzo and chickpeas simmer together in the seasoned liquid until the pasta is tender, with optional additions like vegetables and herbs enhancing complexity. The result is a slightly spicy, hearty mixture where the orzo grains are soft and flavorful, well-coated by the sauce.
This dish can be served as a main vegetarian meal, offering protein from chickpeas and a textured grain element from orzo. Leftovers can be adjusted by adding extra liquid if the pasta absorbs too much broth after standing. The recipe allows customization with herbs like thyme, oregano, and paprika or additions such as coconut milk to alter richness and flavor balance.
Careful stirring during cooking prevents the orzo from sticking, and letting it rest covered after cooking helps meld the flavors further. Using gluten-free orzo and adjusting ingredients can accommodate dietary needs. This dish is practical for home cooks seeking a nourishing, spiced chickpea pasta meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste or use minced ginger and garlic or just garlic, if you don't like ginger
- 2 teaspoons cajun spice blend
- 2 tablespoons ketchup or 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cup water or broth or a mix of coconut milk and water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 15 ounce chickpeas drained, or use 1 1/2 cups of cooked chickpeas, canned
- 1/2 cup orzo dry
Optional Additions
- 1 cup vegetables or 1/2 cup of frozen spinach, of choice
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Heat 2 teaspoons of oil or 2 tablespoons broth in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and a good pinch of salt, and cook until the onion is translucent. Add splashes of water to help onion cook evenly.
- Then add in the ginger-garlic paste, the Cajun spices, and ketchup and mix really well for a few seconds. Add veggies if using at this point and cook for a minute. Mix in the broth and salt, and bring to a boil, then mix the chickpeas and orzo.
- Cover with the lid, and and continue to cook for 7 to 10 minutes, depending on your stove and your pan. Stir once or twice in between so that the orzo doesn’t stick to the pan. Check in at the 7 or 8 minute mark, mix well, close the lid and continue to cook, if needed. If you like it to be saucier, you can add in 1/4 cup or more coconut milk.Taste and adjust salt and flavor. Add more Cajun, tang or herbs if needed.
- Once done, let the cajun orzo sit, covered, for another 2 mins or more for flavors to meld and settle(spices take time to infuse freshly cooked pasta), then mix well and transfer to your serving bowls. Garnish with onions, cilantro, and some lime juice and serve.
Notes
- Check the pasta brand as some absorb more liquid; add additional broth or water as needed to prevent sticking.
- Use gluten-free orzo to make the recipe gluten-free if required.
- After cooking, letting the dish sit covered for a few minutes helps flavors combine well.
- Feel free to increase herbs or spices to taste after cooking for more flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 265 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 265kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 48g | 16% |
| Protein | 12g | 24% |
| Fat | 3g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.4g | 2% |
| Sodium | 374mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 424mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 9g | 36% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 560IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 67mg | 7% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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