Lemony Orzo Recipes

LEMON ORZO

Steps:

• Using a vegetable peeler, peel off two large strips of lemon zest.
• Bring orzo, broth, oregano and lemon zest to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook 13-15 minutes uncovered until the orzo is tender.
• Remove from heat and stir in butter. Rest 5 minutes.
• Juice half of the lemon over the orzo, add mint or parsley and stir. Season with salt & pepper to taste.

CREAMY LEMON ORZO

Steps:

• Bring the chicken broth, 1 cup water and the bay leaves to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
• Meanwhile, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a medium dutch oven over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned, about 4 minutes. Stir in the orzo and thyme; season with salt and pepper. Add the warm broth mixture and adjust the heat to maintain a simmer. Add the heavy cream and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Remove the bay leaves. Stir the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, the parsley and the lemon zest and juice into the orzo; season with salt and pepper.

LEMON ORZO

Steps:

• Simmer 1 cup orzo in a saucepan with 2 1/2 cups water, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried mint, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon paprika and 2 strips lemon zest, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool slightly. Stir in 2 chopped scallions, the juice of 1 lemon, and salt to taste.

LEMON PARMESAN ORZO

Steps:

• Cook orzo according to package directions; drain. Transfer to a small bowl; drizzle with oil. Stir in remaining ingredients.

LEMONY ORZO WITH ASPARAGUS AND GARLIC BREAD CRUMBS

Steps:

• Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until al dente according to package directions. Two minutes before the orzo is done, add the asparagus. Drain the orzo and asparagus. Wipe out and reserve the pot.
• While the orzo and asparagus cook, make the dressing: In a large bowl, stir together 3 tablespoons oil and the lemon zest and juice; season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the drained orzo and asparagus and toss to coat. Set aside while you toast the bread crumbs.
• In the reserved pot, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil over medium. Add the panko and cook, stirring, until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat, then stir in the garlic and season with salt and pepper.
• Stir the Parmesan and herbs into the orzo, taste, then season with salt, pepper and additional lemon juice, if desired. Top with the toasted bread crumbs and more Parmesan if you like. Serve warm or at room temperature.

LEMONY ORZO

Steps:

• Using a vegetable peeler, peel half the lemon (avoiding bitter white pith); thinly slice peel. Squeeze 2 tablespoons juice; set aside.
• Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and lemon peel. Cook until orzo is al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and return to pot.
• Add lemon juice, oil, and scallions. Season with salt and pepper; toss to combine.