Creamy Coconut Sweet Potato Orzo | Easy One-Pot Recipe
This creamy sweet potato orzo is one of those easy one-pot meals that’s cozy, flavorful and so simple to make. Sweet potato cooks right along with the orzo in a creamy coconut curry sauce, making it a great way to introduce little ones to warm spices and different flavors. And everything cooks in one pot, which is always a win!
Creamy Coconut Sweet Potato Orzo | Easy One-Pot Recipe
Course: Lunch, DinnerDifficulty: Easy3
servings10
minutes15
minutesIngredients
½ cup dry orzo
1 cup sweet potato, peeled and diced into small ¼-inch cubes
1–2 cloves garlic, minced, or 1 tsp garlic powder
1¼ cups broth
½ cup full-fat coconut milk
½ tsp mild curry powder
¼ tsp ground cumin
Pinch of turmeric, optional
Juice of ¼ lime
Salt to taste, or skip/reduce for younger children
Directions
- Add the orzo, sweet potato, garlic, broth, coconut milk, curry powder, cumin, turmeric and salt to a medium pot. Give everything a good stir.
- Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring every 3–4 minutes so the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom. If it looks too dry before the orzo is fully cooked, add a splash of broth or water.
- Check that the sweet potato is fork-tender and the orzo is cooked through. If needed, cook for another 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in the lime juice and let everything sit for 2–3 minutes before serving. The sauce will continue to thicken as it rests. If it gets thicker than you’d like, stir in a splash of warm broth, water or coconut milk.
Notes
- Sweet potato: Cut it into very small, roughly ¼-inch cubes so it cooks in about the same amount of time as the orzo.
Coconut milk: Full-fat coconut milk gives you the creamiest sauce, but light coconut milk works too.
For little ones: If your child is new to curry flavors, start with ¼ teaspoon curry powder. You can always increase it the next time. Choose a mild curry powder since the heat level varies quite a bit between brands.
Add-ins: Spinach or frozen peas are easy veggie additions. For more protein, add chickpeas or another protein your family enjoys.
Consistency: Orzo continues to absorb liquid as it sits. If it becomes too thick, stir in a splash of broth, water or coconut milk before serving or reheating.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze it, but I’d personally recommend enjoying this one fresh or refrigerated.
For adults: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat, an extra squeeze of lime and some fresh cilantro if you like.
