Herbed Basil Orzo Delight
Herbed Basil Orzo Delight is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for spring and summer gatherings. This light and refreshing side pairs wonderfully with grilled fish or seafood, making it a versatile addition to your meal repertoire. The fresh basil and buttery notes enhance the nutty flavor of orzo, while the bright colors of bell peppers and cherry tomatoes add a visual pop. Feel free to adjust the garlic to suit your palate and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite. Prep ahead of time by cooking the orzo and storing it in the fridge—a quick and easy side for any occasion!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
orzo pasta
1 lb (uncooked)
red bell pepper
1 (finely chopped)
yellow bell pepper
1 (finely chopped)
butter
1/2 cup (softened)
basil leaves
1 1/2 cups (lightly packed)
garlic cloves
2 (peeled)
cherry tomatoes
1/4 lb (halved)
feta cheese
1/4 lb (crumbled)
capers
1 (4 ounce) jar (drained)
Instructions
1
Bring 3 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 10 minutes. Drain the orzo and return it to the pot.
2
While the orzo is cooking, finely chop the red and yellow bell peppers and set aside.
3
In a food processor, combine the butter, basil leaves, and garlic cloves. Process until smooth and well blended.
4
Add the basil butter mixture to the warm orzo in the pan. Stir over medium-low heat until the butter melts and the pasta is heated through.
5
Gently fold in the chopped bell peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and drained capers until evenly combined.
6
Transfer the orzo mixture to a rimmed serving platter and serve hot, warm, or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herbed Basil Orzo Delight?
Herbed Basil Orzo Delight is a vibrant and flavorful side dish featuring fresh basil, buttery notes, and the nutty flavor of orzo.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, according to the recipe tags, this is a vegetarian dish.
How long does it take to cook the orzo pasta?
The orzo should be cooked for approximately 10 minutes or until it reaches an al dente texture.
What type of pasta is required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 1 lb of uncooked orzo pasta.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the orzo ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a quick assembly later.
What main dishes pair well with this orzo?
This refreshing side pairs wonderfully with grilled fish or various types of seafood.
At what temperature should I serve this dish?
You can serve the orzo mixture hot, warm, or even at room temperature.
How do I make the basil butter?
Combine the softened butter, basil leaves, and garlic cloves in a food processor and process until the mixture is smooth.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 lb of crumbled feta cheese.
How much garlic is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 peeled garlic cloves, but you can adjust this amount to suit your palate.
What types of peppers are included?
The dish includes one red bell pepper and one yellow bell pepper for a bright visual pop.
How should the bell peppers be prepared?
Both the red and yellow bell peppers should be finely chopped before being folded into the pasta.
What is the required amount of capers?
You will need one 4-ounce jar of capers, which should be drained before use.
What seasons are best for serving this dish?
This light and refreshing dish is perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
How much water is needed to boil the orzo?
Bring 3 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot for the pasta.
How should the cherry tomatoes be prepared?
The 1/4 lb of cherry tomatoes should be halved before being added to the mixture.
What amount of butter is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of softened butter as the base for the herbal sauce.
How much basil is needed for the recipe?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of lightly packed fresh basil leaves.
Is this dish considered Mediterranean?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as Mediterranean and includes ingredients like feta, capers, and garlic.
How do I incorporate the basil butter into the pasta?
Add the mixture to the warm orzo in the pan and stir over medium-low heat until the butter melts.
Total how many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients in this recipe.
Should the peppers be cooked?
No, the chopped bell peppers are gently folded into the warm pasta mixture to maintain their texture.
Does the recipe include salt and pepper?
The provided ingredient list does not explicitly list salt and pepper, as flavor is derived from the feta, capers, and basil butter.
How do I finish the dish for serving?
Transfer the combined orzo mixture to a rimmed serving platter for presentation.
Can I use a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is required to blend the butter, basil, and garlic until smooth.
What flavor profile does the orzo have?
The orzo has a nutty flavor enhanced by fresh basil, garlic, and buttery notes.
How many quarts of water are used for boiling?
The recipe specifies using 3 quarts of water.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The 2 garlic cloves should be peeled before being processed with the butter and basil.
Are the capers used with their liquid?
No, the capers should be drained before folding them into the orzo.
What provides the visual pop in this dish?
The bright colors of the red and yellow bell peppers along with the cherry tomatoes provide the visual appeal.