When the fridge looks bare and a food shop looms, a clever store-cupboard raid can yield a surprisingly vibrant dinner. Food writer Rukmini Iyer has shared her go-to solution: a speedy, spiced orzo dish that comes together in just 25 minutes.
The Ultimate Adaptable Weeknight Dinner
Described by Iyer as a "store-cupboard saviour" for weeknights and lean times before a shop, this recipe is built for flexibility. The core relies on pantry staples, with halved cherry tomatoes providing the only fresh note. Iyer credits an old Nigel Slater idea for the finishing touch: a dollop of Greek yoghurt to perfectly balance the fiery, aromatic rose harissa paste.
This one-pan wonder is not just for dinner. Its simplicity and flavour also make it an excellent candidate for a satisfying work-from-home lunch.
Rukmini Iyer's Harissa Orzo: Step-by-Step Method
The recipe, designed to serve two, begins by toasting 30g of pine nuts in a dry pan for three to four minutes until golden, requiring constant attention to prevent burning. Simultaneously, 200g of orzo is simmered in salted boiling water for 10 minutes.
Using the same pan from the nuts, cook finely grated garlic in olive oil for 30 seconds before adding 200g of halved cherry tomatoes. After they soften for five minutes, stir in a 400g tin of drained chickpeas and two heaped tablespoons of rose harissa paste (Iyer recommends the Belazu brand), cooking for a further three to four minutes.
Once the orzo is al dente, drain it but crucially reserve a mugful of the starchy cooking water. Combine the pasta with the tomato and chickpea mixture, adding the juice of half a lemon. Use a splash of the reserved pasta water to help emulsify the sauce if needed. Season with flaky sea salt to taste.
Serving Suggestions and Adaptations
Serve the harissa-spiked orzo in bowls, each topped with a generous spoonful of Greek yoghurt. A scattering of freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley adds a final herby lift, if you have it. The recipe's beauty lies in its adaptability; consider it a template. Different beans, chopped spinach, or alternative nuts can all be used based on what's available in your own cupboard.
This dish stands as a testament to the potential of a well-stocked pantry, transforming simple ingredients into a deeply flavourful and comforting meal in less than half an hour.
