It’s common sense that are favorite flavors are always those that bring us memories, aromas and scents from our mom or grandmom, remind us Sunday family gatherings, vacation, trips –and if they’re plant-based (vegan), healthy, immune supporting and good for gut microbiome, even better! Among those flavors, orzo with red tomato sauce (manestra) is one of those dishes that always make me taste the love of my mother and grandmother when back in the day they would put all their passion and cooking technique to make sure they satisfy their best costumers: their family.
This recipe takes this traditional, tasty plate one step beyond, keeping its memories but enhancing its nutritional value with beneficial probiotics that are super-powers for the gut microbiome from the tamari sauce, antioxidant curcumin and of course summery eggplants, rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals and natural antioxidants.
You’ll definitely love the combination of traditional and modern, while you’ll hopefully find it super tasty and healthy!
Ingredients
200gr orzo
2 eggplants
2 tbsp tamari sauce
1 onion
1 fresh tomato
1 tsp curcumin
½ tsp pepper
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp curry
½ litre organic vegetable broth
molasses
Method
Start by cutting your onion and eggplants in small pieces and sautéing them in a pan in tamari sauce, along with the spices. Stir and wait till they’re tender and gold.
Put your vegetable broth in a saucepan along with some water and a bit of salt. When you bring to boil, add your orzo and wait till it boils for a few minutes. Then mix your orzo and your eggplants with onions in a casserole dish. On top, grate some fresh tomato, add some molasses and bake for 30 minutes, mixing at times so it won’t get sticky.
Once your orzo has no liquids, try it, adjust your salt and enjoy, preferably on a Sunday meal!
Tip
Tamari is a type of soy sauce which, contrary to the classic soy sauce, is gluten-free as it contains no wheat –perfect for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. As a fermented food it’s beneficial for a healthy gut microbiome and strong immune system, while it’s a good source of iron, calcium, vitamin B, antioxidants, protein and healthy fat. Try it and make it a nutritional… habit!
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