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1. Heat olive oil in a wide, deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add garlic (for orzo) and yellow onion (for orzo) and sauté, stirring often, until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
3 tbsp Olive oil,
4 clove Garlic (for orzo),
1 piece Yellow onion (for orzo)
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2. Stir in the orzo and toast for 1 minute to coat in the fragrant oil. Add the crushed tomatoes, red chili flakes, and half the vegetable stock (for orzo). Bring to a gentle simmer.
300 g Orzo pasta,
400 g Crushed tomatoes,
250 ml Vegetable stock (for orzo),
0.5 tsp Red chili flakes
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3. Cook, stirring frequently and adding the remaining stock a splash at a time as it's absorbed, until the orzo is al dente and the sauce is thick and saucy, 10-12 minutes.
250 ml Vegetable stock (for orzo)
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4. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for a final 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender.
200 g Frozen peas
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5. Remove from heat and fold in the vegetarian parmesan-style cheese and torn basil leaves. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
60 g Vegetarian parmesan-style cheese,
15 leaves Fresh basil leaves,
Salt,
Black pepper
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6. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add yellow onion (for soup) and garlic (for soup) and cook, stirring, until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
2 tbsp Butter,
1 piece Yellow onion (for soup),
2 clove Garlic (for soup)
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7. Add the frozen corn kernels and smoked paprika, stirring to bloom the spice and coat the corn, about 2 minutes.
300 g Frozen corn kernels,
1 tsp Smoked paprika
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8. Pour in the creamed corn and vegetable stock (for soup), stir well, and simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
400 g Creamed corn,
500 ml Vegetable stock (for soup)
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9. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until mostly smooth but still slightly textured. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Warm through gently.
0.5 cup Heavy cream,
Salt,
Black pepper
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10. Ladle the smoky corn soup into small cups or bowls and garnish with fresh chives. Serve alongside bowls of the tomato-pea orzo, topped with extra vegetarian parmesan-style cheese if desired.
1 tbsp Fresh chives (garnish)
By james
