Creamy Mushrooms & Orzo
Creamy Mushrooms & Orzo
This is the definition of comfort food. It’s warm, creamy and rich in umami flavors. If you love Mushrooms then this is for you! You can make this with any pasta but the orzo becomes so creamy when cooked. I dare say it’s almost Risotto like in texture in half the time.
Serves 2-3
Ingredients
16 oz ( 454 g) Mushrooms sliced
1 cup (112 g) dry Orzo
1 medium (180 g) Onion chopped
3 cloves of Garlic minced
1 1/2 Tbsp (23 g) fresh Thyme chopped
2 cups (473 ml) of Vegetable or No Chicken Broth
splash of Sherry or Sherry Vinegar
1/2 cup (45-50 g) grated Vegan Parmesan
2 tsp (10 g) Vegan Butter or Oil
1 1/2 Tbsp (23 g) Vegan Truffle Butter or regular Vegan Butter to finish
Salt & Pepper to taste
Cashew Cream
1/2 cup (70 g) Raw Cashews
1/3 -1/2 cup (79 - 118 ml) Water
Salt & Pepper to taste
You can make this a day before or prep it before cooking.
Soak the cashews in enough hot water to cover them. Allow them to sit for 30 minutes. Drain and rinse the cashews before adding them to a blender along with 1/3 cup water, salt & pepper to taste. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Start with 1/3 cup water and then add more if needed until you reach desired consistency.
Directions
1. Sauté the onions in 2 tsp of vegan butter, in a large skillet on medium low heat. Cook them for about 3-5 minutes or until they become translucent.
2. Add in the mushrooms and allow them to cook down stirring occasionally. Add in the garlic and about half of the thyme and continue cooking until the garlic becomes fragrant.
3. Optional: Add a splash of sherry or sherry vinegar if avoiding alcohol. Allow the mixture to cook for a minute. Add in the orzo and mix well.
4. Cover with 2 cups of broth and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the orzo is soft and the liquid has mostly been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add more broth or water as needed.
5. Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the cashew cream and grated parmesan until well incorporated. Add the remaining chopped thyme and truffle butter if using. Heat through before serving.
