One-pot lentil tomato orzo

Red lentils and orzo cook together in a tomato pot with carrots and celery.

This recipe makes 4 servings and takes about 12 minutes to prepare plus 28 minutes to cook. Metric and imperial quantities are alternate measurements, so use one system rather than adding both. If you change the yield, keep the pan size and thickness of the food in mind: a crowded pan steams food and a deep baking dish can extend the cooking time.

Equipment

Set out large lidded saucepan, wooden spoon, fine grater. A wide pan gives moisture somewhere to evaporate; for an oven dish, leave space between pieces so heat can circulate. Use separate board and knife surfaces for raw protein and foods that will be eaten without further cooking.

Ingredients

You will need: olive oil: 15 ml (1 tbsp); carrots, diced: 200 g (7 oz); celery, diced: 150 g (5 oz); garlic cloves, grated: 12 g (2 cloves); red lentils: 180 g (6½ oz); canned chopped tomatoes: 400 g (14 oz); vegetable broth: 900 ml (3¾ cups); orzo: 250 g (9 oz); dried oregano: 2 g (1 tsp); parmesan, grated: 40 g (1½ oz). Gather the ingredients before heating the pan so the aromatics do not burn while a measurement is being found.

• olive oil — 15 ml / 1 tbsp
• carrots, diced — 200 g / 7 oz
• celery, diced — 150 g / 5 oz
• garlic cloves, grated — 12 g / 2 cloves
• red lentils — 180 g / 6½ oz
• canned chopped tomatoes — 400 g / 14 oz
• vegetable broth — 900 ml / 3¾ cups
• orzo — 250 g / 9 oz
• dried oregano — 2 g / 1 tsp
• parmesan, grated — 40 g / 1½ oz

Method

Read the full method once, then prepare the ingredients in the order listed. Keep raw and ready-to-eat ingredients separate, and wash hands and equipment after raw-protein contact.

Step 1

Cook carrots and celery in olive oil for 6 minutes. Add garlic and oregano for 30 seconds.

Step 2

Stir in red lentils, canned chopped tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 12 minutes.

Step 3

Add orzo and cook uncovered for 9 to 11 minutes, stirring often, until the lentils are soft and the orzo is tender.

Step 4

Rest for 2 minutes to thicken, then serve with parmesan.

Cooking and safety check

Keep the pot at a lively simmer until the lentils are tender and the orzo is cooked. A time estimate and a browned surface do not prove that the centre is cooked. Use a suitable food thermometer where the ingredient or local guidance requires one, and follow the package or official instructions for the specific food.

Substitutions that respect the dish

A substitution should preserve the recipe’s job, not merely its colour. Use small pasta shapes for orzo, adjusting cooking time. Brown lentils need pre-cooking and are not a direct replacement. Hard vegetarian-style cheese can replace parmesan; both contain milk. Leek may replace celery.

• Use small pasta shapes for orzo, adjusting cooking time.
• Brown lentils need pre-cooking and are not a direct replacement.
• Hard vegetarian-style cheese can replace parmesan; both contain milk.
• Leek may replace celery.

Allergen notes

This recipe contains or may contain milk, gluten, celery may be present in packaged stock. Check every packaged ingredient because formulations and cross-contact warnings vary.

Common mistakes and how to correct them

Use one troubleshooting change at a time. If the centre is undercooked, return it to the appropriate heat and check again rather than relying on the outside colour. If the pan is dry, add liquid gradually; if it is watery, reduce uncovered. Texture may also reflect crowded equipment, a different ingredient size, or a changed batch quantity.

• Stir after adding orzo to prevent it catching.
• Add 120 ml (½ cup) hot broth if the pot dries before pasta is tender.
• Use a wide pan for faster, even reduction.

Leftovers and storage

Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat with vegetable broth in a saucepan until steaming because the orzo absorbs liquid.

Serving ideas

These sides and finishes suit one-pot lentil tomato orzo without changing the recipe itself.

• Lemon wedges
• Crusty bread
• Shaved fennel salad

Frequently asked questions

Can I freeze it?

Freeze the lentil base, but orzo softens on thawing.

Is it vegetarian?

Use vegetarian-style hard cheese to keep it vegetarian.

Related recipes and tools

Browse the related recipes for a different appliance, pace, or ingredient pairing. Use the serving scaler only after checking the stated yield, and use the storage guide before deciding whether to save a portion. Related links help with the next decision; they do not make this recipe suitable for every diet or kitchen.