Smoky Orzo With Brussels Sprouts and Tomatoes

Yum! Orzo, Brussels sprouts and tomatoes, a wonderful combination! Easy to prepare and requires only one pan and one cutting board. You can use your favorite smoky seasoning mix or the one I posted here from Grills Gone Vegan.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Yields: 3-4

Ingredients

• 30 -40  Brussels sprouts (halved)
• 1  diced shallot
• 1 -2  tablespoon olive oil
• 20  cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 2 3⁄4 cups vegetable broth (plus up to one cup extra as needed)
• 1⁄2 lb  whole wheat orzo (about 227 grams)
• 2  lemons, juice of
• 3 -5  teaspoons  smoky  seasoning (your favorite or one below)

• Smoky Seasoning Mix

• 1  tablespoon dry mustard
• 1  tablespoon onion powder
• 1  tablespoon  smoked paprika
• 1⁄2 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1⁄4 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1⁄4 tablespoon ground black pepper

Directions

1. In a large pan, saute the scallions and brussels sprouts in the olive oil on medium heat for about 8 minutes. The brussels sprouts should be mostly cooked before adding the orzo.
2. Add the tomatoes and saute for another minute.
3. Add the 2 3/4 cup of veggie broth and bring to a boil.
4. Add the uncooked orzo, lemon juice and seasoning mix and give everything a good stir.
5. Turn the heat down and let this simmer for about 20 minutes, until orzo is tender. Stir every now and then to make sure there is enough liquid to keep the orzo from sticking to the pan. If this happens, add veggie broth. Only add a little at a time because the excess liquid should be absorbed by the time the orzo is cooked.