Simple Orzo Pilaf Recipes

EASY STOVETOP RICE PILAF WITH ORZO

Steps:

• Melt butter in a medium-sized saucepan/pot. Add orzo and cook until golden brown.
• Add onion and saute until onions become clear.
• Add garlic and saute for another minute or so.
• Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
• When mixture comes to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
• Remove from heat and remove lid. Let stand for a few minutes then fluff with a fork and serve!

EASY RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Combine the chicken broth, butter, salt, garlic powder, and pepper in a medium sauce pan over medium heat to warm. Once the liquid begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low and keep warm.
• Meanwhile, set a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the pasta and stir well to coat. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Add the rice and continue to cook another 4-5 minutes until the rice is bright white.
• Add the celery and onions and continue to cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften slightly, then pour the warm broth mixture into the skillet with the pasta and rice and stir to combine. Bring everything to a simmer, then cover and cook for 20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed
• Sprinkle the rice pilaf with the chopped parsley, then fluff with a fork. Serve warm.

TURKISH RICE PILAF WITH ORZO

Steps:

• Rinse the rice in cold water at least three times to remove any excess starch. (see note 4)
• Pour your broth into a small pan and heat until simmering. Or microwave it until steaming hot.
• Place a large skillet (one with a lid) or shallow pan (again with a lid) over medium heat.
• Add the butter and oil to the skillet to melt.
• Add in the orzo, stir to coat well, then cook the pasta for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until well browned.
• While the pasta is cooking, peel and finely chop the onion and garlic.
• Reduce the heat under the skillet, then add the onion to the pasta and saute gently for 4 minutes.
• Add the garlic and the rice and stir together until the rice is bright white.
• Add the hot broth, salt, and pepper and bring to a simmer.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
• Remove from heat, but don't lift the lid. Let the finished pilaf stand for 5-10 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
• Sprinkle the finished pilaf with lemon juice and serve.

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.

GARLIC-HERB ORZO PILAF

Steps:

• In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook garlic in oil over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add orzo and rice; cook 4-6 minutes longer or until lightly browned. , Stir in broth and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Stir in the onions, basil, parsley and salt.

ORZO PILAF WITH MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, saute mushrooms and onion in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook and stir 1 minute longer. Add the broth, orzo, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-14 minutes or until pasta is tender. Stir in parsley.