Vegan/Vegetarian Greek Casserole with Orzo Pasta and Impossible Burger Kofta
No picture I can take will do this vegan/vegetarian Greek Casserole justice. It is days like these I wish I were a food photographer, alas, I am just a girl that likes to document what food I make. However, my vegan/vegetarian Greek food is on point and I know you will love this! This vegan (or vegetarian) Greek Orzo Casserole combines creamy cauliflower sauce, kofta flavored Impossible burger, and spanikopita inspired spinach all into one incredible dish.
This Greek Orzo casserole can be made vegan or vegetarian and it is packed with vegetables.
A full head of cauliflower (blended into a creamy sauce)
2-3 bell peppers
1 bundle of green onion (chopped)
1.5 - 2 bags of fresh spinach
A handful of mushrooms
1 cup loosely packed parsley
1/2 white onion (diced)
1 medium tomato (diced)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
Is Orzo Greek? What is it used in typically?
Interestingly, the word orzo is Italian, meaning ‘little pastas’. Cute right? However, it is most heavily used in Greek cooking! They use it in soups such as Greek lemon chicken soup, lamb and meat dishes such as Youvetsi or Manestra, and as simple hearty pasta dishes.
What is Orzo Made of?
It’s always important to double-check your exact package’s ingredients, but usually, Orzo pasta is made out of durum wheat, semolina, and water! Orzo pasta is most definitely vegan, however, it has wheat so it is not gluten friendly. Generally, 1 cup has 400 calories and 80 grams of carbs.
Is Orzo healthy?
Orzo rice is not as nutritious as using rice or brown rice. I usually include orzo in my meal prep when I already know I’ll be using brown rice for another dish and I want to mix things up. If you can find whole-grain orzo I would highly recommend using that if you are looking for something that is more nutrition dense. Orzo definitely has more calories per serving than rice, this doesn’t make it ‘less healthy’ per se, but if you are watching your caloric intake that is something to be mindful of.
How long do you boil Orzo?
I would refer to the package instructions but usually boiling Orzo pasta only takes 8-10 minutes.
Can you use Orzo in place of rice?
I think so! I was planning on making this dish with rice at first and then opted for Orzo since I’ll be using rice with other meal prep items. It is so fun to use Orzo instead of rice! Especially in Greek vegetarian/vegan dishes, it is a really fun swap that I recommend experimenting with!
Vegan/ Vegetarian Greek Casserole with Orzo Pasta and Impossible Burger Instructions:
Layer 1: Base Layer with Bell Peppers and Cooked Orzo Pasta
Ingredients:
1-2 Tbsp Olive oil
3 Bell peppers
2 Cups Orzo Pasta
Water & salt for boiling
Directions:
Cook Orzo according to package instructions and then drain.
Generously coat your casserole dish in olive oil.
Add thick flat slices of bell peppers all along the bottom of the casserole.
Add all the Orzo pasta on top of the peppers.
Layer 2: Spinach Layer
Spanakopita Spinach Layer Ingredients:
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Bundle green onion
2 Bags/bundles of fresh spinach
1/2 lemon
1 Tbsp dried dill
2 Garlic cloves, minced
Salt & Pepper to taste
Spinach Layer Instructions:
Use about 1 tbsp of olive oil on your pan.
On low, begin cooking your chopped green onions.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Add in all the spinach.
Squeeze half a lemon onto the spinach.
Add 1 tbsp of dill.
Add 2 minced garlic cloves.
Toss your spinach around and cook until limp on medium-low.
Layer 3: Impossible Burger ‘Keftedes” (Kofta) Layer
Impossible Burger Keftedes Ingredients:
1 package of Impossible Burger
1 Tbsp steak seasoning
1 Tsp chili flakes
1 Tsp 7 spices (Lebanese spice) *optional
1 Tsp smoked paprika
Salt and Pepper to taste
1/2 White Onion, diced
1 medium tomato, diced
4-5 button mushrooms, finely chopped
1/2 cup loosely packed parsley, finely chopped
Impossible Burger Keftedes Directions:
In a large bowl, mix all the spices, herbs, vegetables, and Impossible Burger meat together.
Cook on medium-low until the impossible burger has browned (it is ok to have some red bits showing).
Layer 4: Creamy Cauliflower Top Layer
Creamy Cauliflower Ingredients:
1 Cauliflower head
1/3 cup nutritional yeast (more to taste)
1 cup oat milk (more to taste or for preferred texture)
1- 2 Garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp miso paste (more to taste)
Salt and Pepper to taste
Approx 1 cup vegan or vegetarian cheese (optional)
A squeeze of lemon (more to taste)
Creamy Cauliflower Directions:
Steam/boil cauliflower until very tender
Blend all the ingredients and adjust according to taste. Should be savory, balanced, and well blended.
Final steps for the Vegan/Vegetarian Greek Casserole
Have your oven preheated to 350 F.
After layering all your layers together, heat your casserole in the oven for about 30 minutes.
Serve immediately or store for meal prep after letting it cool down.
Enjoy!
This vegan or vegetarian Greek Casserole with Orzo past and Impossible Burger is so easy to make and so tasty. I hope you enjoy it!
