Lindas Rice Andor Orzo Pilaf Greek Style Recipes

GREEK LEMON RICE RECIPE

Steps:

• Wash rice well and then soak it for about 15 to 20 minutes in plenty of cold water (enough to cover the rice by 1 inch). You should be able to easily break a grain of rice by simply placing it between your thumb and index finger. Drain well.
• Heat about 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large sauce pan with a lid (like this one) until oil is shimmering but not smoking. Add onions and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and orzo pasta. Toss around for a bit until the orzo has gained some color then stir in the rice. Toss to coat.
• Now add lemon juice and broth. Bring liquid to a rolling boil (it should reduce a little), then turn heat to low. Cover and let cook for about 20 minutes or until rice is done (liquid should be fully absorbed and rice should be tender but not sticky.)
• Remove rice from heat. For best results, leave it covered and do not disturb rice for about 10 minutes or so.
• Uncover and stir in parsley, dill weed and lemon zest. If you like, add a few slices of lemon on top for garnish. Enjoy!

LINDA'S RICE AND/OR ORZO PILAF GREEK STYLE

Steps:

• To Make Chicken Stock:.
• In a large pot add the chicken, whole lemon, and 8 cups of water. Cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and cook for 1 hour, until the chicken is very tender.
• Remove chicken from the pot, and set aside. (Chicken can be frozen to use at another time).
• Skim fat off stock. When the stock cools sufficiently, strain into a bowl.
• To Make Rice: (use 4.5 cups of the chicken stock).
• Measure out 4 1/2 cups of the stock, and pour into a large pot. Add 8 cups of hot (tap) water, and bring to a boil over medium heat.
• When the rice/orzo starts to boil, add the rice/orzo, and stir frequently to keep from sticking.
• When it comes to a boil, reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.
• In The Meantime:.
• In a small skillet, heat the 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter over high heat, until it sizzles.
• Lift the cover to the rice, and quickly pour in the hot butter and close the cover quickly, as it will spatter.
• When the sizzling stops (a few seconds), remove the cover, and stir briefly. Remove from heat.
• Allow to sit 5-10 minutes before serving.
• The pilaf is supposed to be smooth and creamy, and slightly mushy.
• To Prepare Other Rice Ingredients to add to rice once it is cooked:.
• In a large frying pan pour olive oil, then add onions, and saute over medium heat, until just softened.
• Add the garlic, mint, and pepper. Saute for about 2 more minutes.
• Add spinach, lemon juice, tomatoes, dill, and tomatoes. Cook for about 4 minutes.
• Add to rice, and mix.
• Just before serving add Feta cheese.
• Note: Add more lemon, if needed at serving time.

ORZO AND RICE PILAF WITH VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Heat oil and butter in a deep 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then sauté orzo, stirring constantly, until golden brown, about 1 minute. Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, salt, and pepper and sauté, stirring occasionally, until onion is lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add rice and sauté, stirring, until coated with oil and butter.
• Add broth and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook, covered, until liquid is absorbed, 13 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and quickly stir in zucchini, then let stand, covered, 5 minutes. (Zucchini will steam.) Stir in parsley and serve sprinkled with almonds.

GREEK-STYLE LEMONY RICE AND ORZO PILAF WITH FETA

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan melt butter over medium heat; add in onion, garlic and thyme, stir for about 3 minutes.
• Add in the rice and orzo; cook stirring for 3 minutes.
• Add in the broth and lemon juice; bring to a boil over medium heat.
• Add in black pepper, reduce the heat to low and simmer covered for about 20-22 minutes or until the liquid has absorbed.
• Transfer to a serving dish then sprinkle the feta on top (if using).
• Delicious!

KRITHARAKI ME RIZE (GREEK ORZO AND RICE PILAF)

Steps:

• Saute orzo in butter in a medium saucepan, until lightly brown.
• Add rice, stir to coat with the butter. Add stock.
• Bring to boil. Reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook for 25 minutes.
• Serve on a platter with grated kefalotiri cheese if desired.