Creamy Mushroom and Pine Nut Orzo Risotto
Indulge in this creamy mushroom and pine nut orzo risotto, where the charmingly chewy orzo pasta is transformed into a rich, risotto-like dish. Sautéed garlic, onions, and earthy mushrooms come together with toasted pine nuts to create a medley of flavors that dance in your mouth. This versatile dish can be served as a hearty side or a satisfying main course alongside a fresh salad and crusty bread. Experience the comforting warmth of this dish, perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings with friends.
4
Servings
170
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 teaspoons (none)
Garlic cloves
2 (chopped)
Medium onion
1/2 (chopped)
Mixed mushrooms
1 lb (chopped into large chunks)
Pine nuts
3 tablespoons (toasted)
Orzo pasta
1 cup (none)
Low sodium chicken broth
2 cups (none)
Ground sage
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Ground thyme
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (none)
Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Ground pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 1 minute.
2
Add the chopped onion to the pan, and continue to sauté until translucent and softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Introduce the chopped mushrooms to the saucepan. Sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper, and cook until they are browned and any released moisture evaporates, about 5-7 minutes.
4
While the mushrooms are cooking, toast the orzo in a separate dry skillet over medium heat until it turns light golden, stirring frequently to prevent burning, about 3-5 minutes.
5
Once the mushrooms are fully cooked, stir in the ground sage, ground thyme, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
6
Carefully add the toasted orzo to the boiling broth, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the broth is mostly absorbed and the orzo is al dente (approximately 15 minutes).
7
When the orzo is done, stir in the toasted pine nuts and grated parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and incorporate into the orzo.
8
Adjust seasoning with more kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
20g
Carbs
5g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Mushroom and Pine Nut Orzo Risotto?
It is a rich, risotto-like dish where chewy orzo pasta is combined with sautéed garlic, onions, earthy mushrooms, and toasted pine nuts.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How many calories are in one serving of this orzo risotto?
There are approximately 170 calories per serving.
What are the primary ingredients for this dish?
The main ingredients include orzo pasta, mixed mushrooms, pine nuts, chicken broth, parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
The current recipe uses chicken broth, but you can easily make it vegetarian by substituting it with low-sodium vegetable broth.
How do I prepare the mushrooms for this recipe?
The mixed mushrooms should be chopped into large chunks before cooking.
How long does it take to cook the mushrooms?
The mushrooms should be cooked for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are browned and moisture has evaporated.
Do I need to toast the orzo?
Yes, toasting the orzo in a dry skillet for 3 to 5 minutes until light golden adds flavor to the dish.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
This recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground sage and 1/4 teaspoon of ground thyme.
When do I add the parmesan cheese?
The parmesan cheese is stirred in at the very end after the orzo has finished simmering.
What type of broth should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of low sodium chicken broth.
How long should the orzo simmer?
The orzo should simmer for approximately 15 minutes or until it is al dente and the broth is mostly absorbed.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as a hearty main course or as a satisfying side dish.
What sides go well with this mushroom orzo?
It is delicious when served alongside a fresh salad and crusty bread.
How much pine nuts are needed for the recipe?
You will need 3 tablespoons of toasted pine nuts.
When are the pine nuts added to the dish?
The toasted pine nuts are stirred in along with the parmesan cheese after the orzo is cooked.
How much fat is in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 7.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
Each serving contains about 20g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is provided per serving?
There are 5g of protein per serving.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
Yes, there is approximately 1g of fiber per serving.
How do I prepare the garlic and onion?
Both the garlic cloves and the medium onion should be finely chopped before sautéing.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of olive oil for sautéing.
What type of salt should I use?
The recipe recommends using 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.
Can I adjust the amount of pepper?
Yes, ground pepper should be added to taste.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is heating olive oil in a saucepan and sautéing the chopped garlic until fragrant.
Is orzo a type of rice?
No, orzo is a type of pasta that is shaped like rice.
How can I tell when the orzo is done?
The orzo is done when it is al dente, meaning it is tender but still has a slight firmness when bitten.
Should I stir the orzo while it simmers?
Yes, stir the orzo occasionally while it simmers to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Can I add more parmesan as a garnish?
Absolutely, you can garnish the dish with additional grated parmesan cheese if desired.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to adjust the seasoning with more kosher salt and freshly ground pepper if needed.