4 delicious dishes with orzo

Orzo is a type of pasta made from wheat semolina shaped like a grain of rice. Its name comes from the Latin hordeum, which means barley, so in Italy it is known as orzo. It is a healthy source of carbohydrates and is used in the gastronomy of Italy, Greece and Turkey. It can be steamed, boiled or fried to flavor dishes.

How to prepare orzo  

Orzo is a type of Italian pasta that is cooked as follows:

1. Boil enough salted water in a large pot.
2. Add the orzo pasta to the pot and cook until al dente, this means cooked but still firm. Always follow the instructions on the package.
3. Drain the pasta and spray it with oil or butter to prevent the grains from sticking together.
4. Serve with your favorite sauce or condiment.

Remember, orzo pasta is very versatile, it’s just a matter of experimenting and finding your perfect combination. Try the following link: riceselect.com/product/orzo.

Easy and healthy orzo recipes  

As with any new product, it is all a matter of trying the basic recipes and then combining it with other flavors and textures of our liking to create new combinations. Don’t be afraid to experiment.

Orzo salad with fresh vegetables  

This is an easy and healthy dish that can be prepared in many different ways. Here is a basic recipe:

 Ingredients 

• 1 cup of cooked orzo.
• 1 cup of cucumber cut into small cubes.
• 1 cup of tomato cut into small cubes.
• 1/2 cup of fresh spinach.
• 1/2 cup of grated carrots.
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
• 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• Chopped fresh herbs (optional).

 Instructions 

1. Cook the orzo according to package directions. Drain and let cool.
2. In a large bowl, toss the orzo with the cucumbers, tomatoes, spinach and carrots.
3. Add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.
4. Add chopped fresh herbs to taste, such as parsley or basil.
5. Serve cold or at room temperature.

This salad is an excellent choice to take to work or for a light dinner at home.

Grilled orzo with chicken and vegetables  

This is an easy and healthy dish that combines a variety of ingredients and flavors.

 Ingredients 

• 1 cup of cooked orzo.
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips.
• 2 zucchini, cut into strips.
• 8 mushrooms, cut in quarters.
• 1 onion, cut into half moons.
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• Chopped fresh herbs (optional).

 Instructions 

1. Cook the orzo according to package directions. Drain and let cool.
2. Preheat grill.
3. In a large bowl, toss the orzo with the olive oil, salt, pepper and fresh herbs.
4. Place the chicken strips, zucchini, mushrooms and onion in a grill pan.
5. Sauté the vegetables and chicken on the grill until golden brown and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
6. Mix the orzo with the vegetables and chicken.
7. Serve hot.

Orzo with basil pesto and sun-dried tomatoes  

This dish can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it an excellent choice for a light meal.

 Ingredients 

• 1 cup of cooked orzo.
• 1/2 cup of basil pesto.
• 1/4 cup of sun-dried tomatoes in oil, cut into small pieces.
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• Chopped fresh herbs (optional).

 Instructions 

1. Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain and let cool.
2. In a large bowl, toss the orzo with the basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, salt and pepper.
3. Add chopped fresh herbs to taste, such as parsley or basil.
4. Serve hot or cold.

Spinach soup with orzo  

This soup is as simple to make as it is delicious, it will soon become a family favorite.

 Ingredients 

• 1 Onion.
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped.
• 2 chopped celery sticks.
• 3 cloves of garlic, chopped.
• 1 cup of orzo.
• 6 cups of chicken broth.
• 1 can of diced peeled tomatoes.
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen spinach.
• 1/4 cup of chopped parsley.

 Instructions 

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, celery and garlic in a little oil until soft and golden brown, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the orzo, chicken broth or water, diced peeled tomatoes, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
3. Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Cook until the orzo is tender, approximately 20 minutes.
4. Add the fresh or frozen spinach and parsley. Mix well.
5. Cook for a few more minutes until spinach is tender.
6. Serve hot.

All these recipes can be customized according to your preferences and use whatever ingredients you have on hand.