Storecupboard Hero Pesto Orzotto

italian

Storecupboard Hero Pesto Orzotto

We’ve teamed up with Sainsbury’s to bring you low-cost, feel-good recipes. Easy, tasty and stress-free. Get your ingredients delivered by Sainsbury’s in just a few taps. For those nights when you have no idea what to make for dinner. A bowl that proves you really can make something from nothing. This speedy pesto orzotto uses total store cupboard heavy hitters, pesto and chickpeas, to whip up a cheat’s version of risotto with minimal stirring and maximum flavour. Toasting your orzo adds an extra layer of flavour. Think creamy, herby comfort topped with golden, crunchy chickpeas for the perfect bite. The crisp chickpeas have the added advantage of fibremaxing this dish, in an easy yet delicious way. Simple, clever and ready in no time. Use a vegan-friendly pesto if you prefer.

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Ingredients

  • chickpeas 400 g (drained)
  • garlic granules 2 tsp
  • smoked paprika 2 tsp
  • orzo 300 g
  • cherry tomatoes 300 g (chopped)
  • vegetable stock cube 1
  • green pesto 80 g
  • fresh basil 1 handful (leaves picked)
  • lemon 1 (wedges)

Method

Cook the crispy chickpeas

  • Preheat the air fryer to 200°C.
  • Drain the chickpeas then pat them dry. Add them to the air fryer basket and toss with the garlic granules and smoked paprika. Air fry for 15 - 20 minutes, until golden and crispy. You may notice some of the chickpeas pop as they cook, this is totally normal.
  • Alternatively you can bake them in a conventional oven for 25 - 30 minutes, at 220° C/180° C fan.

Cook the pesto orzotto

  • Meanwhile, cook the orzotto. Chop the cherry tomatoes.
  • In a large pan, heat a dash of your preferred oil over a medium heat and add the orzo. Toast the orzo gently, whilst stirring, for a few minutes, until it starts to turn golden brown.
  • Make up the vegetable stock cube with 200ml boiling water per serving (800ml stock for serves 4, 400ml stock for serves 2).
  • Pour in the vegetable stock with half the green pesto, then simmer until the orzo is tender, about 8 - 10 minutes (add a dash more water if needed).
  • Stir in the cherry tomatoes and remaining green pesto and cook for another 5 minutes. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Plate up

  • Plate up the orzotto in bowls, scattering over the crispy chickpeas and fresh basil leaves. Serve with the lemon wedges to squeeze on top for a zesty finish. Tuck in and enjoy!

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