One Pan Zucchini and Eggplant Orzo Bake

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• 1 large zucchini, sliced thinly
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 ounces ground pork
• 1 small eggplant, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes
• 7 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup puréed tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup orzo pasta
• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 6 ounces grated mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Prep the Vegetables:

   • Slice the zucchini.
   • Mince the garlic.
   • Finely chop the onion.
   • Halve the cherry tomatoes.
   • Dice the eggplant.

2. Sauté the Zucchini:

   • Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep oven-safe pan.
   • Add the zucchini, 2 cloves of minced garlic, salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes.
   • Sauté over medium-high heat for 1 minute, then cover and cook on low heat for 5 minutes.
   • Remove the zucchini and set aside.

3. Brown the Pork and Sauté the Vegetables:

   • In the same pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
   • Add the ground pork and cook until browned.
   • Add the remaining 2 cloves of minced garlic, the onion, and the eggplant.
   • Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, on medium heat.
   • Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme.

4. Add the Sauce and Pasta:

   • Stir in the cherry tomatoes, puréed tomatoes, and chicken broth.
   • Add the orzo pasta, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer on very low heat for 10 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and the sauce has thickened. Stir frequently.  

5. Assemble and Bake:

   • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Turn off the heat, crumble the feta cheese over the orzo, without stirring.
   • Top with the sautéed zucchini and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
   • Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve:

   • Let the dish cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Greek-inspired orzo bake!