Orzo Recipes: 12 Easy Ways to Cook Orzo

Orzo looks like rice but it is pasta: small, rice-shaped pieces of durum wheat. It cooks in about 9 minutes and works in salads, soups and creamy one-pan dinners. Here is how to cook it and twelve easy ways to use it.

What is orzo?

Orzo means "barley" in Italian, a nod to its grain-like shape. In Italy it is often called risoni. It is made from durum wheat semolina, so it is not gluten free. Néssi organic orzo is bronze die-cut, which gives it a slightly rough surface that holds dressings and sauces.

How to cook orzo

1. Boil: cook in plenty of salted boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Drain. For salads, rinse briefly with cold water.
2. Risotto-style: toast the orzo in butter or oil, then add hot broth a ladle at a time, stirring, for about 12 minutes. Finish with parmesan.
3. One-pan: simmer orzo directly in broth with vegetables or chicken until the liquid is absorbed.

Ratio for one-pan orzo: about 2 1/2 cups broth per 1 cup orzo; add more if needed.

12 easy orzo recipes

1. Lemon orzo salad with Kalamata and feta: full recipe.
2. Creamy parmesan orzo: risotto-style orzo with butter, parmesan and black pepper.
3. Lemon chicken orzo soup: simmer orzo in chicken broth with carrots, celery, shredded chicken and lemon juice.
4. One-pan Tuscan orzo: garlic, sun dried tomatoes, spinach, broth and a splash of cream.
5. Orzo with roasted vegetables: toss with roasted zucchini, peppers and red onion and a balsamic vinaigrette.
6. Pesto orzo: stir basil pesto into hot orzo with peas and parmesan.
7. Shrimp orzo: sauté shrimp with garlic and chili, add cooked orzo, lemon and parsley.
8. Greek orzo salad: cucumber, tomato, red onion, olives, feta and oregano.
9. Mushroom orzo: risotto-style with browned mushrooms and thyme.
10. Orzo-stuffed peppers: fill peppers with orzo, tomato sauce and mozzarella and bake.
11. Italian wedding-style soup: small meatballs, spinach and orzo in broth.
12. Orzo with sausage and broccoli: one-pan, finished with parmesan.

FAQ

Is orzo rice or pasta? Pasta, made from wheat.

Is orzo healthier than rice? They are nutritionally similar per serving; check the nutrition panel to compare.

How long does cooked orzo keep? 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator in a closed container.

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