Lemon Herb Pilaf with Orzo
This delightful Lemon Herb Pilaf with Orzo is a vibrant and fragrant side dish that brings the essence of Greek cuisine to your table. Featuring a harmonious blend of fluffy long grain rice and tender orzo pasta, infused with zesty lemon juice and enriched with sautéed onions and fresh parsley, this pilaf is perfect for complementing grilled meats or as a light main dish. Enjoy the refreshing flavors that are not only satisfying but also easy to prepare, making it an excellent addition to any meal.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter or margarine
2 tablespoons (melted)
chopped onion
1/2 cup (fresh)
long grain rice
1 cup (uncooked)
orzo pasta
2 tablespoons (uncooked)
chicken broth
2 cups (low-sodium)
lemon juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
chopped parsley
2 tablespoons (fresh)
Instructions
1
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter or margarine over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté until it becomes translucent and tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Stir in the long grain rice and orzo pasta, cooking for an additional 2 minutes while stirring frequently to toast them lightly.
4
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, then increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
6
Remove the pan from heat, let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff the pilaf with a fork.
7
Gently fold in the chopped parsley to incorporate fresh flavors before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon Herb Pilaf with Orzo?
Lemon Herb Pilaf with Orzo is a vibrant and fragrant Greek-inspired side dish featuring a blend of rice and orzo pasta infused with lemon and fresh herbs.
What are the main ingredients for this pilaf?
The recipe requires butter or margarine, chopped onion, long grain rice, orzo pasta, chicken broth, lemon juice, and fresh parsley.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
How long does the rice and orzo need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer for approximately 20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
What exactly is orzo?
Orzo is a type of short-cut pasta that is shaped like a large grain of rice.
Why do I need to toast the rice and orzo?
Toasting the rice and orzo for about 2 minutes adds a deeper, nutty flavor to the dish and helps maintain the texture of the grains.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be finely chopped and sautéed in butter for 3-4 minutes until it is translucent and tender.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either butter or margarine depending on your preference.
What kind of rice is best for this pilaf?
Long grain rice is recommended for this recipe to ensure a fluffy texture.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
When should I add the parsley?
Freshly chopped parsley should be folded in at the very end after the rice has rested and been fluffed.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, bottled juice can be used as a substitute if fresh is unavailable.
How do I ensure the pilaf is fluffy?
After cooking, let the pan sit covered and off the heat for 5 minutes, then use a fork to gently fluff the grains.
Is Lemon Herb Pilaf gluten-free?
No, this recipe is not gluten-free because it contains orzo, which is a pasta made from wheat.
What dishes pair well with this pilaf?
It is an excellent side dish for grilled meats, such as chicken or lamb, or can be served as a light vegetarian main.
Can I add other herbs to this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with other fresh herbs like dill or oregano to complement the Greek flavor profile.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze the cooked pilaf?
Yes, this pilaf can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat with a splash of water.
What is the first step in making this recipe?
The first step is to melt the butter or margarine in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.
Why is it important to let the pan sit covered for 5 minutes after cooking?
This resting period allows any remaining steam to distribute evenly, resulting in a better texture and easier fluffing.
Can I use brown rice instead of long grain white rice?
You can, but brown rice requires significantly more liquid and a longer cooking time than white rice.
Is this recipe considered easy to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that is straightforward and quick to assemble.
What type of broth should I use?
The recipe suggests using chicken broth, specifically low-sodium if you want to control the salt content.
Can I add garlic to the recipe?
While not in the original list, adding minced garlic during the onion sauté step would enhance the flavor nicely.
How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
To avoid mushiness, do not over-stir the rice while it simmers and ensure you follow the exact liquid-to-rice ratio.
What size pan is recommended?
A medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan with a tight-fitting lid is ideal for this recipe.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Yes, you can double the ingredients; just ensure you use a larger pot to accommodate the extra volume.
What makes this dish 'Greek' style?
The combination of lemon juice, fresh parsley, and orzo pasta are characteristic elements of Greek culinary traditions.
Can I add vegetables like peas to the pilaf?
Yes, you can stir in frozen peas or other cooked vegetables during the final fluffing stage for extra color and nutrition.