Creamy Leek, Kale & Roast Tomato Orzotto Recipe

Ingredients

250g cherry vine tomatoes
Sea salt
Freshly ground pepper
2 leeks
2 onions
2 garlic cloves
A handful of thyme, leaves only
1 tbsp olive oil
1 vegetable stock cube
600ml boiling water
100g kale
150g pearl barley
10cl soya cream
1 lemon

Orzotto is a risotto made with pearl barley and this one is a velvety mix of barley tied together with sweet leeks, juicy roast tomatoes and seasonal superhero, kale. A luxurious swirl of vegan-friendly soya cream adds an indulgent finishing touch.

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Method

1. Heat your oven to 180°C/Fan 160°C/Gas 5, and line a roasting tin with baking paper. Halve the cherry tomatoes and scatter them, cut-side up, into the lined roasting tin. Sprinkle over a pinch of salt and pepper. Slide the tomatoes into the oven and roast for 20 mins, then set aside.

2. While the tomatoes roast, trim the roots and top 3cm off the tops of the leeks. Slice a cross in the tops and open them out so you can rinse out any grit. Finely slice the leeks. Peel the onions and finely chop them. Peel the garlic cloves and crush or finely chop them. Pick the thyme leaves off their sprigs.

3. Pour 1 tbsp oil into a large pan and warm to a medium temperature. Slide in the chopped leeks, onions, garlic and thyme. Sprinkle in a good pinch of salt and pepper. Cook gently for 10 mins, stirring occasionally, till softened.

4. Meanwhile, crumble the veg stock cube into a heatproof jug. Pour over 600ml boiling water and stir to dissolve the stock.

5. Tip the pearl barley into the pan and stir well. Cover the barley and veg with the hot stock. Return to the boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 20 mins, stirring occasionally.

6. While the orzotto is cooking, strip the kale leaves away from their woody stalks. Chop the kale leaves into small pieces.

7. After 20 mins, the barley should be tender, with a slight bite, and most of the stock has been absorbed. Stir through the kale leaves and cook for a further 2–3 mins, till tender.

8. Stir the roasted tomatoes through the orzotto. Pour in half the carton of soya cream. Grate in the lemon zest. Stir well and warm the cream through for 1 min. Have a taste of the barley and add more salt and pepper if needed

9. Ladle the orzotto into bowls. Serve with wedges of lemon on the side.

Rating

This is simple and delicious! I had never made orzotto before so didn't really know what to expect, but I was really happy with this dish. It felt healthy but also quite hearty, so it was great. I used creme fraiche instead of the vegan cream and would also try it with other veggies, eg. broccoli, depending on the season. Very versatile, I suspect.