Mediterranean Orzo Vegetable Pilaf 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!

HERBED ORZO PILAF

Steps:

• Saute 1 chopped onion and 1 thyme sprig in butter over medium heat until golden; season with salt. Increase the heat to medium high; add 1 cup orzo and toast 2 minutes. Add 2 cups chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium low, cover and cook until the orzo is tender, 15 minutes. Stir in some chopped dill. Top with sour cream and paprika.

EASY RICE PILAF WITH PEAS AND CARROTS

Steps:

• Wash the rice very well a few times until the water is clear. You can let it soak in water for about 10 minutes or so while preparing the rest of the ingredients.
• In a large heavy pan with a lid, heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, tossing regularly until softened. Add the peas and carrots. Season with a good pinch of kosher salt. Add the spices and mix to combine. Cook for another 5 minutes or so, tossing regularly until the carrots have softened.
• Drain the rice well and add it to the pan. Toss around to make sure the rice is well-coated with the spices. Pour in 2 ¼ cup of water. And season well with a big dash of kosher salt. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat to low. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is cooked through and has absorbed all the liquid.
• Allow the rice about 5 to 10 minutes to rest before serving.
• Serve with the nuts and raisins on top.

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.

MEDITERRANEAN ORZO PILAF

Steps:

• 1. In large skillet over medium heat, melt butter; add RONZONI ORZO. Cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 3 minutes.
• 2. Stir in water, bouillon and seasonings; heat to boiling, stirring to dissolve bouillon. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered 10 minutes.
• 3. Stir in tomato and spinach; cover. Cook 5 minutes or until almost all liquid is absorbed, STIRRING OCCASIONALLY to prevent sticking.
• 4. Stir in olives and feta cheese, if desired. 4 servings (about 1 cup each).

MEDITERRANEAN ORZO VEGETABLE PILAF

Steps:

• In a 10 inches skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil, then stir in the uncooked orzo, and green onion.
• Cook, stirring frequently, until the orzo is lightly browned, about 3 minutes.
• Stir in the broth and wine and heat until boiling, then reduce heat, cover and simmer about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in the peppers, chickpeas, olives and capers, and cook covered another 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most liquid is absorbed.
• Pour into a bowl and sprinkle with the 2 T of parmesan cheese.