Golden Rice Orzo
Infuse your dinner table with warmth and flavor by whipping up this delightful Golden Rice Orzo, a vibrant fusion of creamy orzo pasta and aromatic spices. Highlighted by the golden hue of turmeric, this one-pot dish combines tender orzo with sautéed onions, fragrant garlic, and a velvety finish of parmesan cheese. Fresh parsley and a hint of zesty lemon lend a refreshing brightness to every bite, making it perfect as a hearty side dish or a stand-alone vegetarian main. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is an excellent choice for busy weeknights, offering comfort and sophistication in every bowl. Whether served alongside grilled vegetables, roasted chicken, or enjoyed solo, Golden Rice Orzo is sure to become a mealtime favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2.5 cups vegetable broth
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Sprinkle the turmeric powder into the skillet, stirring well to coat the onions and garlic.
Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it lightly for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Pour in the vegetable broth, then season with salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet.
Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese until creamy.
Finish by stirring in the chopped fresh parsley and lemon zest for a burst of freshness.
Serve warm as a side dish or light main course, garnished with additional parsley or parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1418 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 49.0 g | 63% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.5 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 3270 mg | 142% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 202.0 g | 73% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.3 g | 76% | |
| Total Sugars | 17.2 g | ||
| Protein | 53.7 g | 107% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 624 mg | 48% | |
| Iron | 12.3 mg | 68% | |
| Potassium | 1397 mg | 30% | |
*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.
