
This Mediterranean Cauliflower and Orzo is a colorful dish. It contains roasted cauliflower, whole wheat orzo, cherry tomatoes, parsley, dill, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs. It contains 34 g of net carbs and 320 calories. We prepare this dish in forty-five minutes. Serve this Mediterranean Cauliflower and Orzo with grilled Lemon Chicken, Herb-Roasted Salmon, Greek Salad, Whole Wheat Pita, or Creamy Tzatziki. This dish stores perfectly in the refrigerator for 4 days and can be frozen for 2 months, so you could prepare it earlier.
STATS:
- Course: Main Course
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Diet: Mediterranean, Vegetarian
- Time for Prep: Fifteen minutes
- Portions: 6
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Portion Size: 1½ cups
- Overall Duration: Forty-five minutes
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
TOOLS:
- Tray
- Colander
- Large saucepan
- Baking paper
- Bowl
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Chopping board
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 tbsp. dill
- 1 cauliflower
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
- 1½ cups whole wheat orzo
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup feta cheese
- 1 tsp. oregano
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives
- ¼ cup parsley
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
INGREDIENT NOTES & THEIR SUBSTITUTIONS:
CAULIFLOWER:
- We use cauliflower as the main vegetable, giving this dish a tender texture and a slightly nutty flavor. You can also use broccoli or Romanesco.
WHOLE WHEAT ORZO:
- Whole wheat orzo adds a hearty texture and extra fiber to the dish. As a substitute, use regular orzo, quinoa, or pearl couscous.
OLIVE OIL:
- Olive oil provides authentic Mediterranean flavor and healthy fats. Alternatively, use avocado oil.
GARLIC:
- Garlic adds a rich aroma and savory depth to the recipe. Instead, use 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
CHERRY TOMATOES:
- Cherry tomatoes make the dish juicy and naturally sweet. You can substitute them with grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes.
FETA CHEESE:
- Feta cheese gives the dish its creamy texture and tangy Mediterranean taste. As an alternative, use goat cheese or dairy-free feta.
KALAMATA OLIVES:
- These Kalamata olives provide a strong, salty taste that complements the vegetables. Instead, use black olives or green olives.
PARSLEY:
- This parsley is added to brighten the taste & adds a fresh herbal flavor. We would also utilize basil or cilantro.
DILL:
- Dill provides a light, fresh Mediterranean aroma. Alternatively, use fresh mint or oregano.
LEMON JUICE:
- Lemon juice offers a tangy flavor which will enhance the flavor of the dish. Instead, use white wine vinegar.
PINE NUTS:
- Pine nuts will provide the crunchy & nutty taste. As a substitute, use sliced almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Heat the oven to 425° F & put baking paper on tray.
- Whisk the cauliflower with pepper, olive oil, salt, oregano, paprika, and smoked.
- We roast till tender and golden, for almost twenty-five minutes.
- Cook the orzo as it is mention on the pack.
- Add the oil then put garlic & cook for thirty seconds.
- Then put the cherry tomatoes & cook for three to four minutes till the tomatoes gets tender.
- Mix the cooked orzo, roasted cauliflower, olives, parsley, tomatoes, and dill.
- Include the lemon juice, and zest and mix softly.
- Mix the feta cheese and sprinkle the pine nuts and serve hot.
TIPS:
- We utilize fresh lemon juice to create a brighter taste.
- You can roast the cauliflower till nicely browned for a perfect flavor.
- Include the chickpeas for additional protein.
- Whisk in fresh spinach while the orzo remain warm.
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Add this vegetarian meal in a covered vessel & stock it for only 4 days.
FREEZER:
- Add this meal in the box and freeze for two months.
FAQs:
Could we include additional veggies?
- Yes, you can use white beans, shrimp, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, asparagus or spinach.
May we prepare this vegetarian meal earlier?
- Yes, you can make this vegetarian meal beforehand, as the flavor boosts after some time.
Which protein is excellent for utilizing?
- You can use chickpeas, Grilled chicken, or salmon.
NUTRITIONAL FACTS:
Calories: 320 kcal
Sodium: 480 mg
Net Carbs: 34 g
Fiber: 6 g
Sugar: 6 g
Fat: 14 g
Protein: 10 g
Serving Size: 1½ cups
Total Carbs: 40 g