Lemon Orzo
User Reviews
5
Lemon Orzo
Description
This Lemon Orzo recipe starts by cooking orzo pasta in chicken broth infused with lemon zest and dried oregano, which imparts a gentle herbaceous flavor. After cooking until tender, the zest is removed, and butter is stirred in for richness. Fresh lemon juice is added last, along with finely chopped mint or parsley, to provide a fresh, citrusy note.
The resulting orzo is moist but not mushy, with bright lemon undertones balanced by the butter's creaminess and fragrant herbs. It works well as a side dish for grilled or roasted meats, fish, or vegetables.
Optional additions include stirring in freshly grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor and creaminess. Adding green onions offers a mild sharpness, enhancing texture and taste.
Ingredients
- 1 lemon for juice and zesting
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon oregano dried
- ½ tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon mint finely chopped or 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, fresh
Instructions
- Using a vegetable peeler, peel off two large strips of lemon zest.
- Bring orzo, broth, oregano and lemon zest to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook 13-15 minutes uncovered or until the orzo is tender.
- Remove from heat and remove and discard the lemon peel. Stir in butter and let the orzo rest uncovered for 5 minutes.
- Juice half of the lemon over the orzo, add mint or parsley and stir. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
Notes
- Try stirring in 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese for extra richness.
- Adding finely sliced green onions adds a mild onion flavor and fresh texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 168 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 168 | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 31g | 10% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 2g | 3% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 4mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 553mg | 23% |
| Potassium | 238mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 44IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 25mg | 28% |
| Calcium | 28mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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