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How To Cook Orzo
This easy method gives you perfectly cooked orzo in just minutes!
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
17 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 186 kcal
Course:
Side Dish , Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian , American
Ingredients
- 2 cups (454g) orzo uncooked
- 4 cups (946ml) Water
- salt to taste
Instructions
- In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the salted water or broth to a boil.
- Then add in the orzo, cover the pan and bring it back to a boil.
- Uncover the pan and reduce the heat to let it simmer. Cook for 8-12 minutes, stirring occasionally and checking regularly for doneness. The cooked orzo is best when al dente.
- When done to your liking, transfer the orzo to a colander and drain any excess water.
- Serve the orzo warm, or add it to other recipes (like a delicious salad).
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Toast it - Toast the grains with some butter or oil in a skillet before cooking for some extra flavor.
- Don’t overcook: Orzo usually takes about 8-12 minutes. So do check it a few minutes before the suggested time to get the texture you prefer.
- Stir occasionally: Make sure to gently stir a couple of times while cooking to prevent it from clumping together.
- Reuse the pasta water: Set aside some pasta water to flavor or thin out sauce or soups.
- Rinse to stop cooking or don't: If you're going to use this cold in a salad, then rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process. However, if you are going to serve it warm with sauce, then don't rinse as the starch helps sauces coat the pasta.
- Oil it - To avoid the orzo sticking together before serving, toss the warm pasta with some olive oil (or dressing if using).
- Storage – keep leftovers in an airtight container inside the fridge for 3-5 days.
- There are 5 WW BluePlan SmartPoints in one serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories
186kcal
(9%)
Carbohydrates
37g
(12%)
Protein
7g
(14%)
Fat
1g
(2%)
Saturated Fat
0.1g
(1%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.3g
Monounsaturated Fat
0.1g
Sodium
11mg
(0%)
Potassium
112mg
(3%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Calcium
15mg
(2%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 186
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 186kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 37g | 12% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Sodium | 11mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 112mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Calcium | 15mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.