A winter warmer, packed full of vibrant flavours
This charred tomato and orzo broth is utterly delicious on a cold winters evening.
SERVES: 2 – 3
COOKING TIME: 20 mins
DIFFICULTY: easy
IDEAL FOR: midweek meal, healthy meal, vegetarian
BUDGET: £
Charred tomato and orzo broth: Cosy, flavourful comfort food
There’s something comforting about a bowl of warm, tomato broth paired with delicate orzo pasta.
When you add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, this dish becomes full of tangy, bright flavours.
Perfect for a cosy night in or a quick midweek meal.
The magic of this dish lies in the simplicity.
By charring the tomatoes, you unlock a deeper tomato flavour that brings richness to the broth and orzo.
Plus, it’s customisable… you can easily swap out orzo for another small pasta or add extra herbs for more complexity.
Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner that feels soothing, nourishing meal on a chilly evening.
This charred tomato and orzo broth will quickly become a favourite.
Health benefits
Tomatoes are packed with a variety of nutrients that offer several health benefits.
In short, tomatoes are not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious.
Including them in your meals provides a wide range of health benefits, from improving heart health to supporting digestion and skin health.
Whether fresh, cooked, or in sauces, tomatoes are an easy and versatile way to boost your overall wellness.
Here are a few reasons why they’re good for you:
1. Rich in antioxidants
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Lycopene has been linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers (especially prostate cancer) and heart disease.
It’s one of the key reasons tomatoes are often considered a “superfood.”
2. High in vitamins and minerals
Tomatoes are an excellent source of several essential vitamins and minerals, including:
- Vitamin C: Boosts your immune system and supports skin health.
- Vitamin A: Promotes healthy vision and supports immune function.
- Potassium: Helps regulate fluid balance, muscle function, and blood pressure.
- Folate: Important for cell division and the production of red blood cells.
3. Supports heart health
The combination of antioxidants (like lycopene), fiber, and potassium found in tomatoes is great for heart health.
Lycopene specifically may help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, which reduces the risk of heart disease.
The potassium helps keep blood pressure levels in check, further supporting cardiovascular health.
4. Good for your skin
Tomatoes are often used in skincare due to their high levels of vitamin C, which supports collagen production and skin repair.
Lycopene has also been shown to protect skin from sun damage, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and improve overall skin tone.
5. Aid in digestion
Tomatoes are a good source of dietary fiber, particularly in the skin and seeds.
This helps support healthy digestion by adding bulk to stool and promoting regular bowel movements.
The high water content of tomatoes also helps keep the digestive system hydrated, which is essential for optimal digestion.
9. Hydrating
Since tomatoes are made up of about 95% water, they’re great for hydration.
This can help keep your skin looking fresh and support bodily functions like temperature regulation and joint lubrication.
10. Supports Immune Function
The combination of vitamin C, vitamin A, and lycopene found in tomatoes helps support the immune system.
These nutrients play a role in boosting the body’s defence against common illnesses and infections, helping to keep you healthy year-round.
For another great tomato dish, check out Tasty tomato curry
Reference: Sheerluxe
Charred tomato and orzo broth
Ingredients
- 400 g cherry tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp tomato puree
- 1 ltr vegetable stock
- 25 g basil leaves
- squeeze of lemon juice
- 150 g orzo or any small pasta
- sea salt and pepper
- parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- In a deep frying pan, over a high dry heat, add the tomatoes and char them all over until blistered and softened (approx. 5 – 10 mins). Add in the garlic cloves for the last 2 mins. Once done, remove to a bowl.
- In the same pan, add a little oil and the tomato paste and fry until the puree turns a darker red – approx. 2 -3 mins. Add a little stock to loosen it up for a minute before adding all the stock in and then the tomatoes and garlic. Simmer for 15 – 20 mins until it reduces a little. Season and add a squeeze of lemon before adding in the orzo and cook for 5 – 7 mins (or until done).
- Serve with parmesan and fresh basil leaves.
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