This Creamy Golden Chickpea Orzo is the ultimate cozy comfort food. It’s part of my Five to Thrive series, where I share easy, plant-based recipes featuring five ingredients that research suggests may support brain health and help protect against cognitive decline. This golden orzo is packed with chickpeas, whole grain orzo, turmeric, spinach, almond butter, and extra virgin olive oil. They all bring their own unique brain-supporting nutrients! Comes together in one pot, too!
Here’s what makes this golden orzo a Five to Thrive Recipe:
1. Chickpeas: Rich in folate, a B vitamin essential for healthy brain function, and fiber that supports a healthy gut-brain connection.
2. Whole Grain Orzo: Unlike refined pasta, whole grain orzo retains more fiber, B vitamins, and other beneficial nutrients. Whole grains are a cornerstone of the brain-healthy MIND diet and may help support long-term cognitive health.
3. Spinach: Packed with lutein, folate, and vitamin K. Research has linked higher consumption of leafy greens with slower cognitive decline.
4. Almond Butter: Provides vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage. Nuts are also a key component of the brain-healthy MIND diet.
5. Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Rich in monounsaturated fats and polyphenols that may help reduce inflammation and support vascular health, which is closely connected to brain health.
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Creamy Golden Chickpea Orzo
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Ingredients
- 1 tbsp avocado or olie oil
- 2 large carrots peeled and sliced into small coins
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 inch fresh ginger minced
- 1 cup orzo whole grain if possible
- 2.5 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp almond butter
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp fresh black pepper
- 3-4 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- In a medium-large pot, add your oil over medium heat. Add sliced carrots, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the garlic and ginger are fragrant.
- Add your orzo, vegetable broth, almond butter, and spices. Bring to a boil, then turn down to med/low and simmer covered for 8-10 minutes or until the orzo and carrots are cooked through.
- Add your fresh spinach and stir until wilted.Enjoy!
Notes
- I used this whole grain orzo in this recipe.
