Orzo is a tiny pasta with a rice shape that generates some confusion. People tend to believe orzo is a type of yellowish long-grain rice. This confusion is valid, to be honest. Orzo looks like rice and is cooked in the same way. This pasta can be used instead of rice in many preparations.
So, why not include it in your regular meals and increase your dishes repertoire?
Reasons to include orzo in your daily meals
If you have not tried orzo yet, go to https://riceselect.com/product/orzo and discover how to cook and various recipes. In addition, the following list will convince you of the benefits of cooking with orzo and have it always in your pantry from now on.
Versatility
Orzo is like any other pasta. You can cook it and serve it as any pasta dish with plenty of sauce and topped with cheese. You can also cook orzo and use it in preparations that generally call for rice as risotto, salads, stews, and fillings.
Easy to cook
Due to its tiny size, you can cook orzo in 10 minutes using three basic cooking methods: pasta method, simmering, and soup method. You only need water or broth and salt for a simple bowl of orzo.
For making more delicious dishes, you can toast orzo with butter in a skillet and add chopped vegetables. You can use vegetable or chicken broth to infuse richer flavor into it.
Nutritional benefits
Orzo contains a high protein content and dietary fiber. The protein content helps to increase muscle and strength. Pairing orzo with other high-content-protein ingredients enhances this benefit.
Dietary fiber helps the proper function of the digestive system preventing constipation and promoting bowel movement. In addition, the fiber content eases nutrient absorption resulting in a better body metabolism function.
Orzo also has a high content of carbohydrates. Once carbs enter the body, they transform into the energy the body needs to work properly. So, orzo can help you when you need an energy shot.
Some ideas for cooking with orzo
Preparing delightful dishes with orzo is simple and fast. You can create thousands of preparations with a few ingredients and a few steps in a short time.
The simplest orzo dish includes only 3 ingredients: orzo, butter, and Parmesan cheese. Once the orzo is cooked, add melted butter and Parmesan cheese and that is a super fast and easy meal.
Another easy option is to cook orzo and pour a big amount of your preferred sauce all over it: pesto, tomato sauce, carbonara sauce, and so much more. Do not forget to add Parmesan cheese at the top.
For salads, you can make orzo and cool it. Then, include fresh vegetables like chopped tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, olives, oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Include orzo in soups or stews at the end of the cooking process and make a hearty preparation.
Orzo works perfectly as the base for the filling for stuffed vegetables.
The options with orzo are countless. Try the following recipe and get familiar with your new favorite ingredient.
Lemon orzo
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of orzo.
- 1 ½ cups of chicken or vegetable broth.
- ½ teaspoon of sea salt.
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
- 1 tablespoon of butter.
- 1 tablespoon of minced parsley.
- Lemon wedges for garnish.
Preparation:
- In a small pot, pour chicken or vegetable broth, orzo, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Combine the ingredients and cook at medium heat until the broth boils.
- Then, reduce the heat and cover. Cook for 10 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and add butter and fresh lemon juice. Stir very well.
- Serve with parsley at the top and some lemon wedges at the side.