Description
Spiced orzo roasted carrots feta delivers a Mediterranean-inspired comfort on your plate, blending warm spices with sweet roasted carrots and creamy feta for a simple yet satisfying meal that brings flavor and texture to your dinner routine.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups carrots, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquid and Herbs:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Crank your oven to 400°F and grab a large baking sheet for the carrots.
- Slice 2 cups of carrots into thin rounds, then toss them with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the seasoned carrot rounds in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping, and roast for 20-25 minutes until they turn tender and caramelized.
- Halfway through roasting, stir the carrots to ensure even browning and prevent burning.
- While carrots are roasting, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil for your orzo pasta.
- Add 1 cup of orzo to the boiling water and cook for 8-10 minutes until the pasta reaches al dente texture.
- Drain the orzo thoroughly in a colander, shaking off excess water.
- Transfer the roasted carrots and cooked orzo to a large mixing bowl.
- Crumble ½ cup feta cheese over the mixture and sprinkle ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley.
- Squeeze the juice of 1 whole lemon over the dish and gently toss all ingredients together.
- Serve the dish warm or at room temperature, with an extra sprinkle of parsley for garnish if desired.
Notes
- Slicing carrots into uniform pieces helps them roast evenly, so take your time cutting them about 1/2-inch thick to ensure perfect caramelization.
- Use fresh spices for the best flavor, as older spices can taste dull and won’t give the same vibrant punch to your roasted carrots.
- For a gluten-free version, swap the orzo with quinoa or rice, which will absorb the delicious roasted carrot flavors just as well.
- If you prefer a vegan option, replace the feta with a plant-based cheese alternative or add some toasted pine nuts for extra protein and crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Roasted
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg