Cajun Orzo Chickpeas

5 from 17 votes

1 pan 6 Ingredient Cajun orzo chickpeas are a satisfying weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor, and ready in 20 minutes. Tender orzo goes so well with hearty chickpeas and lots of deep, Cajun spices..

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Main

Cuisine: cajun

Keyword: cajun orzo, cajun orzo chickpeas

Servings:

Author: Vegan Richa

Ingredients

1/2 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste or use minced ginger and garlic or just garlic, if you don't like ginger
2 teaspoons Cajun spice blend
2 tablespoons ketchup or 1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 1/2 cup water or broth or a mix of coconut milk and water
1/2 teaspoon salt
15 ounce cans of chickpeas drained, or use 1 1/2 cups of cooked chickpeas
1/2 cup dry orzo

Optional Additions

1 cup vegetables of choice or 1/2 cup of frozen spinach
1 teaspoon of thyme
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon paprika

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Heat 2 teaspoons of oil or 2 tablespoons broth in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and a good pinch of salt, and cook until the onion is translucent. Add splashes of water to help onion cook evenly.
Then add in the ginger-garlic paste, the Cajun spices, and ketchup and mix really well for a few seconds. Add veggies if using at this point and cook for a minute. Mix in the broth and salt, and bring to a boil, then mix the chickpeas and orzo.
Cover with the lid, and and continue to cook for 7 to 10 minutes, depending on your stove and your pan. Stir once or twice in between so that the orzo doesn’t stick to the pan. Check in at the 7 or 8 minute mark, mix well, close the lid and continue to cook, if needed. If you like it to be saucier, you can add in 1/4 cup or more coconut milk.
Taste and adjust salt and flavor. Add more Cajun, tang or herbs if needed.
Once done, let the cajun orzo sit, covered, for another 2 mins or more for flavors to meld and settle(spices take time to infuse freshly cooked pasta), then mix well and transfer to your serving bowls. Garnish with onions, cilantro, and some lime juice and serve.

Video

Notes

This recipe is naturally soy-free and nut-free. Use gluten-free orzo for a gluten-free option.

Tips: some pasta brands will tend to absorb more liquid, so if itstarts to stick too much, add 1/2-1 cup more liquid to cook.

Nutritional information doesn't include optional ingredients.

Nutrition