Mediterranean Orzo and Chickpea Delight
Savor the flavors of the Mediterranean with this vibrant Orzo and Chickpea Delight. This savory dish features tender orzo pasta infused with aromatic white wine and a medley of colorful vegetables, including crisp bell peppers, hearty chickpeas, and briny kalamata olives. Enhanced by the tang of capers and topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this pilaf makes an extraordinary side dish or a light main course. It's perfect for gatherings or a simple family dinner, delivering a burst of Mediterranean charm in every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Orzo pasta
1 cup (uncooked)
Green onions
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Vegetable broth
1 (14 ounce) can (none)
White wine
1/3 cup (none)
Bell pepper
1/4 cup (chopped (green or red))
Chickpeas (or garbanzo beans)
3/4 cup (cooked)
Kalamata olives
1/4 cup (chopped)
Capers
1 tablespoon (none)
Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (grated)
Instructions
1
Heat the olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the uncooked orzo and finely chopped green onions, stirring frequently until the orzo is golden brown, about 3 minutes.
2
Pour in the vegetable broth and white wine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 6 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3
After 6 minutes, add the chopped bell peppers, chickpeas, kalamata olives, and capers to the skillet. Stir to combine and cover the skillet again. Allow to cook for an additional 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
4
Once done, remove from heat, transfer the pilaf to a serving bowl, and generously sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Orzo and Chickpea Delight?
It is a vibrant, savory pilaf dish featuring tender orzo pasta, chickpeas, colorful vegetables, and Mediterranean flavors like kalamata olives and capers.
Is this Mediterranean orzo recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian and uses vegetable broth as its liquid base.
How long does it take to brown the orzo?
It takes about 3 minutes of frequent stirring over medium-high heat until the orzo becomes golden brown.
What type of broth should I use?
The recipe calls for one 14-ounce can of vegetable broth.
Can I substitute the white wine?
While white wine adds depth, you can substitute it with additional vegetable broth or a bit of water with a squeeze of lemon juice.
What color bell pepper is best for this dish?
You can use either green or red bell peppers depending on your preference or availability.
How are the chickpeas prepared for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of cooked chickpeas, which can be from a can or cooked from scratch beforehand.
What kind of olives are recommended?
Kalamata olives are used to provide a specific briny, Mediterranean flavor profile.
How do I prevent the orzo from sticking to the skillet?
Stir the mixture occasionally while it is simmering to ensure the pasta does not stick to the bottom.
How long should the dish simmer in total?
The dish simmers for a total of 12 minutes: 6 minutes for the orzo alone, and another 6 minutes after adding the vegetables.
What is the final garnish for this dish?
The pilaf is finished with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, it works beautifully as either an extraordinary side dish or a light main course.
What size skillet is needed?
A 10-inch skillet is the recommended size for preparing this recipe.
How many ingredients are required?
There are 10 ingredients: olive oil, orzo, green onions, vegetable broth, white wine, bell pepper, chickpeas, kalamata olives, capers, and Parmesan.
Are chickpeas and garbanzo beans the same thing?
Yes, they are different names for the same legume and can be used interchangeably in this recipe.
How should the green onions be prepared?
The green onions should be finely chopped before being added to the skillet with the orzo.
What gives the dish its 'tang'?
The combination of capers and kalamata olives provides the signature Mediterranean tang.
Is the orzo cooked before adding it to the skillet?
No, you start with uncooked orzo and brown it in oil before adding liquids to cook it through.
How much white wine is used?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of white wine.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The result is a pilaf texture where the liquid is mostly absorbed and the orzo is tender.
How much olive oil is used for browning?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are used to heat the skillet and brown the orzo.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy side dish featuring fiber-rich chickpeas and fresh vegetables.
When do I add the capers?
Capers are added along with the bell peppers, chickpeas, and olives after the initial 6-minute simmer.
Is this a complex recipe to follow?
No, it is categorized as an 'easy recipe' with straightforward instructions.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Tags include Mediterranean, vegetable pilaf, healthy side dish, and comfort food.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and often taste even better the next day as flavors meld.
Is this dish served cold?
It is typically served warm as a pilaf, though the ingredients also work well as a cold pasta salad.
What type of pasta is orzo?
Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that absorbs flavors well in pilaf-style dishes.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.