Garlic Herb Orzo and Rice Pliaf
Elevate your side dish game with this Garlic Herb Orzo and Rice Pilaf, a flavorful and aromatic blend of golden toasted orzo pasta, fluffy long-grain rice, and a medley of fresh herbs. Infused with the rich flavors of garlic, butter, and olive oil, this dish is simmered to perfection in a savory chicken or vegetable broth and finished with a zesty hint of lemon. Simple yet sophisticated, this pilaf is an ideal accompaniment for roasted meats, grilled fish, or even as a standalone vegetarian delight. Ready in just 35 minutes, it brings a restaurant-quality touch to your table with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this herbed rice and orzo pilaf is as versatile as it is delicious!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 2.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
Heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat and add the butter and olive oil. Allow the butter to melt completely.
Add the orzo pasta to the pan and toast it, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown, about 4–5 minutes.
Stir in the rice and minced garlic, cooking for 1–2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and season with salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until both the orzo and rice are fully cooked and have absorbed the liquid.
Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Fluff the pilaf with a fork, then gently stir in the fresh parsley, dill, and lemon zest.
Serve warm as a side dish, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
251 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 10.2 g | 13% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.4 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 19 mg | 6% | |
| Sodium | 824 mg | 36% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 34.9 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.2 g | ||
| Protein | 6.1 g | 12% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 27 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 1.0 mg | 5% | |
| Potassium | 127 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
