Description
A Tunisian-inspired vegan dish made with orzo, lentils, bell peppers, and aromatic spices in a rich tomato sauce. Hearty, wholesome, and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons vegetable broth or water
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 large bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon harissa
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 cup whole wheat orzo, dry
- 15 ounces canned lentils, drained and rinsed
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat vegetable broth or water in a wide non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and cook, stirring frequently, until soft and translucent. Add more broth if needed to prevent sticking.
- Add sliced bell peppers, ground coriander, cinnamon, and sweet paprika. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, harissa, dried basil, and dried parsley. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and peppers are tender.
- Meanwhile, cook the orzo in a separate pot according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Fold the cooked orzo and lentils into the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir gently over low heat until evenly combined and heated through. Serve warm.
Notes
- Increase harissa to 1½ teaspoons for more heat.
- Add chopped zucchini or carrots with the bell peppers for extra vegetables.
- Use regular orzo if preferred.
- Stir in fresh basil or parsley just before serving for added brightness.
- Use chili paste or paprika with a pinch of chili powder as a harissa substitute.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tunisian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
