Vegan Giouvetsi with Mixed Mushrooms and Orzo – A Budget-Friendly Italian-Inspired Dish

Enjoy this comforting vegan giouvetsi featuring a flavorful blend of frozen mushrooms simmered with herbs, spices, and orzo pasta. This affordable and hearty dish brings together Mediterranean flavors in a warm, saucy meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

🕒 Prep & Cook Time: 40-45 min

🍽️ Servings: 4

🥄 Ingredients

200 g orzo pasta
1 bag (450 g) frozen mixed mushrooms (pleurotus, champignon, shiitake, boletus, and more)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, crushed
50 ml dry white or red wine
200 ml passata (tomato purée)
1 tsp dried oregano
3 allspice berries
1 bay leaf
½ tsp ground nutmeg
5 sprigs fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Sauté Aromatics:
Heat olive oil over low heat in a large pot. Add the finely chopped onion and cook gently until completely soft and translucent. Stir in the crushed garlic and cook for another minute.
Deglaze with Wine:
Pour in the wine and simmer until it has fully evaporated, intensifying the flavors.
Cook Mushrooms:
Increase the heat to medium and add the frozen mushroom mix. Cook until the mushrooms are fully thawed and have released plenty of their juices. Check that larger pieces are tender.
Add Tomato and Spices:
Stir in the passata, dried oregano, allspice berries, bay leaf, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 15 minutes to develop a rich sauce.
Add Water and Herbs:
Pour in 2 cups (500 ml) of water, add chopped parsley, and adjust salt to taste (about 1 tsp more is recommended). Bring to a boil.
Cook Orzo:
Evenly scatter the orzo across the surface of the pot. Gently shake the pot to distribute the orzo evenly. Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for 15–20 minutes. After 5 minutes, gently stir the orzo to prevent sticking.
Final Check:
After about 15 minutes, check if the orzo is tender and cooked through. The sauce should remain slightly saucy; some liquid on top is ideal. If not serving immediately, the orzo will absorb the remaining sauce as it sits.

💡 Tips

Use quality passata or fresh tomato purée for a vibrant sauce.
Stir gently to avoid breaking the orzo and maintain its shape.
Add fresh herbs just before serving for a bright, fresh aroma.

🎉 Perfect For

Vegan or vegetarian dinners
Italian-inspired meals at home
Budget-friendly comfort food

📝 Final Thoughts

This vegan giouvetsi blends the earthiness of mixed mushrooms with a fragrant tomato-herb sauce and tender orzo pasta, making it an affordable yet elegant meal. Ideal for plant-based eaters or anyone looking for a cozy, flavorful dinner.