Source: Juliamikhaylova, AdobeStockOrzo can easily surprise even experienced cooks, as it resembles rice in appearance but tastes like authentic Italian pasta. You can create a multitude of interesting dishes with orzo, and you'll find the best of them in this collection. Simple, clear, and made with accessible ingredients!
1. Orzo Pasta with Spinach
Source: simplyrecipes.comYou can use either fresh or frozen spinach.
You will need: 300 g orzo pasta, 200 g spinach, 1 onion, 80 g Parmesan, 1 tsp turmeric, herbs, olive oil, salt, spices.
Preparation: Chop and sauté the onion until golden, then add the chopped spinach and cook for a few more minutes. Meanwhile, cook the orzo pasta according to package directions. Mix the orzo with the vegetables, turmeric, and spices, and before serving, sprinkle with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs.
2. Orzo and Bean Salad
Source: cookpad.comA hearty salad that can easily replace a main course.
You will need: 100 g orzo pasta, 250 g cherry tomatoes, 100 g canned beans, 100 g mixed greens, 100 g broccoli, 30 g olives, 2 tsp pine nuts, 2 tbsp pesto sauce, 2 tsp olive oil, 2 tsp lemon juice, salt.
Preparation: Boil the broccoli until desired tenderness and then shock it in ice water. Cook the orzo according to package directions. Chop the cherry tomatoes and olives, then thoroughly mix all salad ingredients together.
3. Orzo Pasta Pilaf
Source: postila.ruOne of the most classic and popular orzo recipes.
You will need: 250 g orzo pasta, 300 g pork, 150 g onion, 150 g carrots, 3 cloves garlic, 0.5 tsp cumin, 1 tsp barberry, 0.5 tsp turmeric, 600 ml water, spices, vegetable oil.
Preparation: Chop and lightly fry the pork in vegetable oil directly in a cauldron. Add the chopped vegetables and fry everything together until the onion is translucent.
Add all the spices and crushed garlic, stir and cook for another 5 minutes. Pour in a glass of water, bring to a boil, and simmer the mixture for 10 minutes. Add the orzo pasta, pour in the remaining water, and simmer covered over low heat until cooked.
4. Orzo Pasta with Shrimp
Source: 1000.menuA simple dish to prepare – like in the best restaurants.
You will need: 100 g orzo pasta, 150 g peeled shrimp, 100 ml cream, 25 g Parmesan, 1 clove garlic, olive oil, salt, ground black pepper.
Preparation: Cook the orzo pasta according to package directions. Sauté the peeled shrimp with garlic in olive oil until golden, pour in the cream, season with salt and pepper. Add grated cheese and heat until it melts. Add the orzo to the sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
20 Best Peanut Butter Recipes
5. Tuna and Orzo Pasta Salad
Source: dzen.ruVery tasty, and it cooks in just a few minutes.
You will need: 150 g orzo pasta, 250 g canned tuna, 150 g tomatoes, 150 g cucumber, 75 g red onion, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, aromatic herbs, spices.
Preparation: Cook the orzo until done, chop the vegetables, and flake the tuna with a fork. For the dressing, mix olive oil, lemon juice, and all spices to taste.
6. Orzo with Bacon in Cream Sauce
Source: mirtesen.ruA true discovery for fans of original pasta varieties!
You will need: 150 g orzo pasta, 100 g bacon, 1/2 onion, 150 ml 20% cream, 50 g Parmesan, 1-2 cloves garlic, 1.5 tbsp butter, 1 tsp lemon zest, parsley, salt, ground black pepper.
Preparation: Cook the orzo pasta according to package directions. Chop and fry the bacon in butter until crispy. Set it aside and sauté the finely chopped onion with garlic in the same pan. Pour in the cream, add grated Parmesan, zest, salt, and ground pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer until thickened, then add the orzo with bacon. Stir and cook for just 1 more minute.
7. Tomato Soup with Orzo Pasta
Source: cookpad.comIf desired, you can add a spoonful of tomato paste for a richer flavor.
You will need: 100 g orzo pasta, 4 potatoes, 400 g canned tomatoes in their own juice, 2 carrots, 1 onion, 1.5 L broth, garlic, herbs, salt, spices.
Preparation: Chop the potatoes, add them to the broth, and cook for 10-15 minutes. Chop and sauté the onion with carrots until soft, add the tomatoes with their liquid, and simmer for a few more minutes. Add the sautéed vegetables to the potatoes, and after 2-3 minutes, add the orzo. Cook the soup until the pasta is done, and at the end, add minced garlic, herbs, and spices.
8. Orzo Risotto with Green Peas and Mushrooms
Source: allrecipes.comAn original alternative for those who love to try something new.
You will need: 250 g orzo pasta, 100 g mushrooms, 100 g frozen green peas, 1 onion, 100 ml dry white wine, 50 g Parmesan, 500 ml broth of your choice, olive oil, salt, spices.
Preparation: Chop and sauté the onion with mushrooms until golden. Add the orzo, pour in the wine, stir, and simmer for a few minutes until the wine evaporates.
Pour in a little broth and continue cooking over medium heat. Keep gradually adding broth as the pasta absorbs it. 5-6 minutes before the end of cooking, add the green peas, and before serving, season the risotto and sprinkle with grated Parmesan.
Steamed Dishes: 20 Incredibly Simple and Delicious Recipes
9. Chicken with Orzo Pasta in the Oven
Source: cookpad.comAn interesting variation on a classic Greek dish.
You will need: 2 chicken fillets, 250 g orzo pasta, 300 g canned tomatoes in their own juice, 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, olive oil, salt, spices.
Preparation: Chop and sauté the chicken fillet with garlic, add the chopped onion and sauté everything together until translucent. Add the tomatoes, season, and simmer for a few more minutes.
Pour the orzo pasta into a baking dish and cover it with the chicken and sauce. Add enough water to almost completely cover the meat, and bake for 30 minutes in the oven at 170 degrees Celsius.
10. Stuffed Peppers with Orzo Pasta and Minced Meat
Source: postila.ruMany love stuffed peppers with meat and rice, but with orzo – it's just as good!
You will need: 6 bell peppers, 400 g minced meat, 250 g orzo pasta, 2 onions, 2 carrots, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 4 tbsp sour cream, 1 L water or broth, vegetable oil, salt, spices.
Preparation: Cook the orzo until al dente and mix it with the minced meat and spices. Chop and sauté the onion with carrots, let them cool, and then mix them into the minced meat as well. Cut off the tops of the peppers, remove the cores, and stuff them with this mixture. Separately, mix water or broth with tomato paste and sour cream. Pour the prepared sauce over the peppers, cover, bring to a boil, and simmer for 30-35 minutes over medium heat.
11. Orzo Pasta with Eggplant
Source: gastronom.ruAn ideal vegetarian dish that even meat-eaters will enjoy.
You will need: 400 g orzo pasta, 1-2 eggplants, 2 bell peppers, 1 red onion, 150 g black olives, 1 lemon, basil, olive oil, salt, spices.
Preparation: Cook the orzo until done. Roughly chop and sauté all the vegetables, drizzle them with lemon juice, and season to taste. Add the pasta, chopped olives, basil, and spices, and cook for a few more minutes.
12. Orzo Pasta Salad with Spinach and Feta
Source: nur.kzA vibrant and festive salad that can even be served for a special occasion.
You will need: 250 g orzo pasta, 150 g fresh spinach, 1 cucumber, 1 bell pepper, 1 red onion, 150 g feta, 50 g black olives, 50 g green olives, 100 ml olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1.5 tbsp oregano, salt, ground black pepper.
Preparation: Cook the orzo pasta, tear the spinach by hand, and coarsely chop the vegetables and feta. Roughly chop the black and green olives. Mix olive oil with lemon juice, spices, and herbs for the salad dressing.
Autumn Dishes: 20 Simple and Incredibly Delicious Recipes
13. Shurpa with Orzo Pasta
Source: cookpad.comAn original variation of a hearty, rich, and thick soup.
You will need: 800 g beef or lamb, 1 cup orzo pasta, 1 cup chickpeas, 5 potatoes, 2 bell peppers, 3 tomatoes, 2 onions, 2-4 cloves garlic, 3 tbsp tomato paste, 1 bunch parsley or cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, ground black pepper.
Preparation: Soak the chickpeas overnight in advance. Chop and lightly fry the meat until golden, set it aside, and sauté the chopped onion in the same pan. Add the chickpeas and fry for another 5 minutes, stirring.
Add the meat, chopped potatoes, and tomato paste, simmer briefly, and then cover with water. Bring the shurpa to a boil and cook for 30-45 minutes over low heat. Add the orzo and chopped tomatoes with bell pepper, and continue cooking until the pasta is done. Finally, add spices, garlic, and chopped herbs.
14. Orzo with Minced Meat and Vegetables
Source: blog-food.ruA complete dish that requires no additions.
You will need: 250 g orzo pasta, 300 g minced meat, 2 tomatoes, 1 carrot, 1 onion, 1 tsp paprika, salt, spices.
Preparation: Chop and sauté the onion with carrots until soft, add the minced meat and fry everything together until browned for another 5-7 minutes, stirring. Then add the chopped tomatoes and spices to taste, cook everything together for another 3-4 minutes. Add the orzo pasta, pour in 500 ml of water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 12-15 minutes over medium heat.
15. Orzo Pasta Salad with Arugula
Source: postila.ruA warm salad with just a few simple ingredients.
You will need: 150 g orzo pasta, 80 g Parmesan, 25 g arugula, 1 handful basil, 1 tsp chopped nuts to taste, 1/2 lemon, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp wine vinegar.
Preparation: Mix grated Parmesan, lemon juice, zest, olive oil, and wine vinegar. Cook the orzo pasta, tear the greens by hand, and mix all ingredients together.
16. Orzo Pasta with Pumpkin
Source: cont.wsPrepare pumpkin puree in advance from baked or boiled pumpkin.
You will need: 200 g orzo pasta, 200 g pumpkin puree, 50 g onion, 150 ml 20% cream, 80 g Parmesan, 2 cloves garlic, 1.5 tbsp olive oil, 30 g butter, salt, spices.
Preparation: Chop and sauté the onion with garlic in a mixture of both oils until golden. Add the pumpkin puree, season, and cook for another 5-7 minutes, then pour in the cream and add grated Parmesan. Simmer until the cheese melts. Meanwhile, cook the orzo, add the pasta to the pumpkin mixture, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Lenten Squid Dishes: 12 Recipes for Every Taste
17. Orzo with Chicken and Vegetables
Source: rutube.ruInstead of chicken, turkey would also be wonderfully suitable.
You will need: 400 g chicken fillet, 150 g orzo pasta, 1 carrot, 1 bell pepper, 1 zucchini, 1 onion, 150 g canned tomatoes in their own juice, olive oil, salt, spices, aromatic herbs.
Preparation: Chop and lightly fry the chicken fillet, then add the chopped onion with carrots and cook everything together for a few minutes. Add the remaining vegetables, and after another 2-3 minutes – the tomatoes with their juice and spices. Add the orzo pasta, pour in about 1 cup of water, bring to a boil, and cook over low heat until done, about 10-15 minutes.
18. Orzo Pasta with Beets
Source: eda.ruAn unusual and vibrant side dish for chicken or other meat dishes.
You will need: 150 g orzo pasta, 250 g beets, 1/2 onion, 1 clove garlic, 400 ml water or broth, olive oil, salt, spices.
Preparation: Peel and dice the beets, drizzle with olive oil, and bake in the oven at 200 degrees Celsius until soft. Chop and sauté the onion with garlic in the remaining oil, add the orzo, and pour in the water. Cook for about 15 minutes until the water is absorbed. Mash the beets into a puree, add it to the pasta, season, and cook everything together for another 1 minute.
19. Orzo Pasta Salad with Zucchini and Green Beans
Source: postila.ruThis salad can be either an appetizer or a side dish.
You will need: 100 g orzo pasta, 150 g green beans, 1/2 zucchini, 2 tomatoes, 1/3 red onion, 1/3 carrot, 1 clove garlic, olive oil, salt, spices.
Preparation: Lightly blanch the green beans until soft, and roughly chop and sauté the other vegetables over high heat. Cook the orzo, mix all ingredients together, and season the salad. Serve it warm or cold.
20. Paella with Orzo, Chicken, and Mussels
Source: dzen.ruAn exquisite recipe for the whole family, orzo perfectly replaces rice!
You will need: 400 g chicken thigh fillet, 10 mussels in shells, 250 g orzo pasta, 3 tomatoes, 1 bell pepper, 100 g frozen green peas, 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, 400 ml broth, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 0.5 tsp oregano, 1 tbsp lemon juice, olive oil, salt, spices.
Preparation: Chop the chicken, vegetables, and garlic. Season the meat with all spices, fry until browned, set aside, then sauté the bell pepper, onion, garlic, and green peas in the same pan.
Add the tomatoes and orzo to the sautéed vegetables, pour in the broth, bring to a boil, and return the chicken. Add lemon juice and cook for 10 minutes, stirring. Separately, cook the mussels in a small amount of boiling water or by any other method. Add the mussels to the finished paella and serve.