How to Make Rice Pilaf With Orzo

How to Make Rice Pilaf With Orzo

If you're looking to elevate your rice dishes, this Rice with Orzo recipe is perfect for you! Follow these simple steps to achieve fluffy and delicious rice every time. Whether you use homemade bone broth, chicken broth, or bouillon, this recipe guarantees amazing results.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 tea glass of orzo
  • 1.5 cups of rice
  • Chicken or bone broth (or bouillon)
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon of butter
  • 1/2 tea glass of vegetable oil (preferably extra virgin olive oil)
  • 4-5 cups of boiling water
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Rinse and Soak the Rice

  • Rinse the rice 2 or 3 times in clean water and drain.
  • Place the rice in a deep bowl.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of salt.
  • Pour boiling water over the rice, stir, and cover the bowl.

Let it sit for 15-20 minutes. This step ensures the rice remains white and prevents it from becoming mushy.

  • After soaking, drain the rice and rinse it once with cold water.

Cooking the Orzo

  • In a large pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add 1/2 tea glass of vegetable oil.
  • Add the orzo and sauté until it turns a golden brown color.

Combining the Rice and Orzo

  • Add the drained rice to the pot.
  • Combine the rice and orzo mixture for 7-8 minutes until the rice is well coated and slightly toasted.

Add Broth and Water

  • Add 4-5 cups of boiling water to the pot.
  • Add the chicken or bone broth and stir once.

If your broth is salty, reduce the amount of added salt accordingly. Adjust the salt to taste, keeping in mind that not all salts are the same.

Cooking

  • Cover the pot and cook on medium heat for 10 minutes.
  • After 10 minutes, open the lid and check if the water is absorbed and if the rice is tender. If the rice has absorbed the water and looks cooked, but is still slightly firm, add another cup of boiling water, cover, and cook for another 5 minutes.

Resting

  • Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and place it on a cold surface.
  • Cover the pot with a paper towel or a clean cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
  • If you are tired you should rest too :) but this is a really quick and good recipe, so I don't think so!
  • After resting, transfer the rice to a serving dish.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Serve the rice hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice.
  2. It makes a perfect side dish for meat or vegetable dishes.

Notes

  1. Adjust the amount of salt based on the saltiness of your broth or bouillon.

For extra flavor, you can add a bay leaf or a cinnamon stick while cooking.

Brighten up your table with this fluffy and delicious Rice with Orzo. Enjoy!

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Discover More Turkish Recipes:

If you enjoyed this rice dish, be sure to check out our Homemade Turkish Lahmacun (Turkish Pizza) recipe.

It’s a delightful and easy way to bring a taste of Turkey to your home!

Thank you for trying out my Rice with Orzo recipe! Your support on this culinary journey means the world to me.

Creating and perfecting this recipe took a lot of love and effort, and I’m excited to share it with you.

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I hope this recipe brings a delightful touch to your meals. If you'd like to stay updated with more recipes and culinary tips, please subscribe to my newsletter. Also, check out my YouTube video for more culinary inspiration:

I'll be back soon with more delightful recipes and cooking inspiration.

Warm regards,

Naz

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Naz
Hi! I am Naz.

I am a software engineer and a mindfulness practitioner. I love to share my knowledge and experience with others. I am a lifelong learner and I am here to learn and grow with you.