1cuproughly chopped canned artichoke hearts (1 14-ounce can, packed in water, drained and gently squeezed dry)
3/4cupdiced red bell pepper
Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
1/4cupdry white wine or leftover Prosecco
1/3cuproughly chopped Kalamata olives
1/2teaspoondried oregano
1 1/4cupchickpeas (1 15-ounce can, drained and rinsed)
1/2teaspoonlemon zest
2tablespoonsfresh lemon juice
2cupsroughly chopped fresh baby spinach
3/4cupsliced cherry tomatoes, or diced heirloom tomatoes
1/4cupchopped fresh Italian parsley
1/4cupchiffonade fresh basil
1/2cupcrumbled vegan feta (I like Trader Joe's block packed in water)
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Pink sea salt, to taste
Instructions
Bring a medium pot to a boil, then salt and add the orzo, plus a splash of oil. Cook for 8 to 9 minutes, or according to package instructions. Drain and return to pot.
Meanwhile, heat a medium-large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then saute the bell peppers and artichokes for 2 minutes. Add the crushed red pepper flakes and saute for another minute before stirring in the wine. Saute for a few more minutes or until the wine has mostly cooked off. Stir in the olives, oregano, and chickpeas, then heat until warmed through.
Fold the veggie mixture into the cooked orzo, followed by the lemon zest and juice, spinach, tomatoes, parsley, and basil. Stir in the feta, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.