One Pot Ratatouille Orzo

One Pot Ratatouille Orzo is a clever combination of the classic southern French dish Ratatouille and Italian pasta Orzo. This dish cooks summer-fresh vegetables together with Orzo pasta, preserving the rich flavor of Ratatouille while adding the satisfying texture of pasta. It's a refreshing and delicious addition to summer dining tables.

👉🏻Ingredients list⚠️

• 1 cup Orzo pasta

• 1 medium eggplant, diced

• 1 medium zucchini, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon Provencal herbs (optional)

👉🏻✨DIRECTIONS:

1. Prepare Vegetables: Dice the eggplant, zucchini, red bell pepper, onion, and garlic.

2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Add the eggplant, zucchini, and red bell pepper, and stir-fry until the vegetables are tender.

3. Add Orzo and Seasonings: Add the Orzo pasta to the pot, and stir to combine with the vegetables. Then add enough water (just slightly covering the ingredients), salt, black pepper, and Provencal herbs to taste.

4. Simmer: Cover the pot and simmer over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes, or until the Orzo pasta and vegetables are cooked, and the liquid is absorbed.

5. Serve and Garnish: Serve the One Pot Ratatouille Orzo on a plate, and garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves.

👉🏻✨TIPS

• Cut the vegetables slightly larger so they don't become overly soft during cooking.

• Ensure there is enough water when cooking the Orzo to prevent sticking.

• Adjust the amount of herbs to taste, enhancing the flavor of the dish.

👉🏻✨BENEFITS

• This dish is not only flavorful and nutritious but also simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy individuals. It's perfect for summer, providing hydration and essential nutrients while satisfying energy needs.

✨NUTRITIONAL ASPECTS:

• One Pot Ratatouille Orzo is rich in dietary fiber and vitamins from the vegetables, as well as carbohydrates from the Orzo pasta. It's a low-fat, high-fiber healthy meal. The antioxidants in the vegetables help fight free radicals and protect health, while the Orzo pasta provides sustained energy to meet daily activity demands.