Peanut Satay Orzo

Method

• step 1

  Boil orzo according to package instructions. As a general guide, it should take around five minutes to cook in salted boiling water over high heat.

• step 2

  Crush one clove of garlic into a small bowl. To this, add a heaped tablespoon of peanut butter, followed by a few glugs of soy sauce and a quarter of a lemon. If you find it too acidic, add more peanut butter. If it is too salty, add a squirt of honey. Chilli flakes are optional, but by sprinkling some in, it gives it a wonderful kick. This is a very bucket chemistry kind of recipe, so don't fuss too much about measurements!

• step 3

  Mix the sauce until it makes a creamy, silky paste. A little bit of hot water may be needed to achieve a desirable consistency.

• step 4

  If you want the vegetables cooked, fry in a pan of sesame oil over medium-high heat until softened. If you can cut it in half with the force of a spatula, it's cooked.

• step 5

  Drain the orzo. Add the sauce whilst the pasta is still hot, then mix until well combined.

• step 6

  Crush a few peanuts in a pestle and mortar until around an eighth in size. Sprinkle these on top of the pasta and dish up with a sprinkle of coriander.