Description
This easy Orzo Rice Pilaf recipe is a perfect blend of tender orzo and aromatic basmati rice infused with garlic and onions and finally garnished with fresh herbs to create a simple but elegant side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup Orzo Pasta (dried)
- 1 cup Basmati Rice
- 2 3/4 cups Chicken Broth
- 1/2 Yellow Onion (finely diced)
- 2 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt to Taste
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: First, add the butter, olive oil, and orzo in a medium skillet with a lid and heat over medium-low heat.
- Step 2: Stir frequently for three to five minutes until the orzo smells nutty and starts to turn golden brown.
- Step 3: Next, add the chopped onion to the toasted orzo and cook for about 5 minutes until the onions become translucent and begin to soften.
- Step 4: Then, add the chopped garlic and stir frequently for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Then, add the rice and chicken broth and turn the heat up until it comes to a simmer.
- Step 6: Turn the heat down to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the orzo rice cook covered for 20-25 minutes.
- Step 7: Remove the pan from the heat after 20-25 minutes and set the orzo rice aside to cool (while still covered) for 5 minutes.
- Step 8: Take the lid off of the pan and fluff with a fork.
- Step 9: Add salt to taste and garnish the cooked rice with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Basmati rice provides a fluffy texture, but jasmine rice is an excellent substitute. This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for 1-2 months in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Sides
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 327 kcal
- Sugar: 1.3 g
- Sodium: 1156 mg
- Fat: 22.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 8.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28.2 g
- Fiber: 1.3 g
- Protein: 4.9 g
- Cholesterol: 27 mg
Keywords: orzo rice pilaf, garlic and herbs, side dish, Italian cuisine, basmati rice