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Lemon fennel orzo pasta with slow roast tomatoes in a bowl.

Lemon Fennel Orzo Bowl Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Author: Tracy Halasz

Ingredients

  • 8-10 cocktail tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, crushed
  • ¼ cup basil, finely chopped
  • S&P
  • 1-2 cups orzo
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp paprika powder
  • ½ tsp ground fennel
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
  • 4 sun dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2-3 cups kale, chopped
  • ¼ cup veggie broth*
  • 2-4 cups spinach, ribbons
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • ⅓ cup cashews, crushed
  • 3-4 leaves basil, torn

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400º F.
  • Toss halved tomatoes with 1 tbsp of olive oil, large garlic cloves (crushed), finely chopped basil, and S&P - mix well to coat the tomatoes.
    Use a splash of broth or oil if oil-free.
  • Tip tomatoes into an oven-proof dish and bake until soft and bubbly (20-40 minutes). 
    *PRO TIP - if you don't have cocktail tomatoes, use whole cherry tomatoes or quartered roma tomatoes. Choose the most flavourful tomatoes you can find.
  • While the tomatoes are roasting, prepare the orzo as per package instructions. Set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium to high heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil (or a splash of broth if oil free), garlic, paprika, ground fennel, fresh parsley, thyme or rosemary (1 tsp if dry) and sun dried tomatoes - sauté for a couple minutes until fragrant.
  • Add kale and a ¼ cup of broth (I use this one), cover and let steam for a few minutes until kale is soft.
  • Toss in the spinach, cooked orzo, ½ a lemon juiced (or more to taste), ground cashews, stir together and cook until spinach wilts. Remove from heat.
  • Taste and adjust spices, s&p, and lemon as required.  Transfer to serving dish.
  • Place tomatoes and all juice and spices from the roasted tomatoes on to the orzo mixture. 
  • Garnish with chopped fresh basil, more hot pepper flakes, and lemon slices.

Notes

Cocktail tomatoes are about the size of a ping pong ball. Cherry tomatoes are the size of a large cherry. Roma tomatoes will fit nicely in a cupped hand.
The longer and slower you roast the tomatoes, the more the flavour and sweetness will develop. Slow roasting tomatoes is a perfect lazy Sunday activity. Reduce the heat to 325º F, follow the directions above; but leave the tomatoes in for an hour or more until they are soft and caramelized. You can scoop the tomatoes and all the juice and pan drippings into an air-tight container and use them later in the week.
Storage: Delicious stored for 2 or 3 days in the fridge. Just remove from the fridge and warm in the microwave or a pot on the stove.