rice pilaf orzo recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best rice pilaf orzo recipe

I have been making this rice pilaf orzo recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. It’s easy to prepare, and my family loves it.

I like that it’s a one-pot meal, which makes cleanup a breeze. The best part is that it’s versatile – you can serve it as a side dish or add protein to make it a main course.

I’ve served it at family gatherings, potlucks, and even as a weeknight dinner. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is perfect for them to learn some basic cooking skills.

It’s also great for meal prep, as you can make it ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use. One of the reasons I enjoy this recipe is that it’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables and herbs from our garden.

My husband likes that it’s not too spicy or overpowering, making it suitable for the whole family. When we have guests over, this recipe never fails to impress – everyone loves the combination of flavors and textures.

Over time, I’ve tweaked the recipe to suit our tastes, but the core ingredients remain the same. I’ve experimented with different seasonings and spices, but the original recipe remains my favorite.

Rice Pilaf with Orzo

4.7 from 693 votes

A classic side dish featuring fluffy long-grain rice and toasted orzo pasta cooked in savory broth. The orzo adds a delightful nutty flavor and tender texture, making this pilaf a perfect accompaniment to roasted meats or vegetables.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pilaf

1 cup long-grain white rice
1/2 cup orzo pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion (finely chopped)
2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3Add the orzo pasta to the saucepan and cook, stirring constantly, until the orzo turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma, about 2 to 3 minutes.
4Be careful not to burn the pasta.
5Stir in the rice and cook for 1 minute, coating the grains with butter.
6Pour in the broth, salt, and pepper, and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
7Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes.
8Do not lift the lid during cooking.
9Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand covered for 5 minutes.
10Fluff the pilaf with a fork, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan with lid
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 15mg🧂Sodium: 480mg🌾Total Carbs: 54g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 7g

📝Notes

For a richer flavor, substitute half the broth with dry white wine. Toast the orzo to a deep golden color for maximum nuttiness. Use long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine for the fluffiest texture.

Watch Video Of How Rice Pilaf with Orzo Works

This rice pilaf orzo recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a quick weeknight meal. It’s easy to prepare, healthy, and versatile enough to suit any taste.

My family loves it because it’s flavorful without being too spicy or overpowering. The best part is that you can customize it to your liking by adding different herbs and spices.

We often serve it with grilled meats or roasted vegetables for added flavor.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Rice Pilaf with Orzo

Q1: What is orzo?

Orzo is a type of pasta that resembles rice in shape and size. It’s made from wheat flour and water, and its name comes from the Italian word for ‘barley,’ which is similar in appearance.

Q2: Can I use regular rice instead of orzo?

No, you should not substitute regular rice for orzo in this recipe. Orzo has a unique texture and flavor that’s essential to the dish’s success.

Q3: How do I store leftover rice pilaf?

You can store leftover rice pilaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Q4: Can I add protein like chicken or beef to this recipe?

Yes, you can add cooked chicken or beef to make this recipe more substantial.

Q5: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

This recipe is vegetarian-friendly, but if you’re serving meat-eaters as well, you can easily add cooked meat to make everyone happy.

Similar Posts