Orzo and Mixed Bean Veggie Stew

Continuing the theme of making recipes work for families with different eating philosophies, this is another delicious vega recipe which will work perfectly for the meat eaters too. Simple add the chosen meat and you have a complete meal. The fibre, vitamins and minerals in this dish are good for everyone and the taste will be a real crowd pleaser.

Orzo, Mixed Bean and Veg Casserole

 Serves 3

150g Orzo

1 heaped tsp miso paste

250g French beans blanched and sliced into 1” pieces

2 cooked red peppers sliced

1 tin mixed beans drained

1tsp each of sweet and smoked paprika

1tsp cumin

1tsp garlic or onion salt

1tbsp Pedro Ximinez  or balsamic vinegar if you dont have it

2tbsp chopped flat leaf parsley

 1)     Cook orzo in 1 ltr boiling water to which you add the miso. Keep stirring all the time until it is almost cooked - probably about 5 minutes. Check it and it should still be al dente.

2)     Drain the orzo and reserve the miso water

3)     Add a scant tsp of oil to a pan, add the beans, all the seasonings, orzo, green beans and the sliced red peppers. Stir well to combine, add the PX or balsamic, top up with the reserved orzo water until the mix is just covered. Cook over a gentle heat for about 10 minutes. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed. Sprinkle over the parsley and serve.

4)     You can also leave it to cool and serve like a salad.