Orzo Rice Pilaf

5 from 1 vote

Orzo Rice Pilaf is a savory side dish made by sautéing veggies, toasting orzo pasta and rice together, and then simmering mixture in a flavorful broth until tender. With a light, nutty flavor and fluffy texture, it's the perfect addition to grilled meats and other proteins.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword orzo rice pilaf

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Servings servings

Calories 316kcal

Author Sue Ringsdorf

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 cup white onion - finely chopped
1 cup carrot - finely chopped
3 cloves garlic - minced
3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 cup orzo pasta
1 cup long-grain white rice
3 ½ cups lower-sodium chicken broth
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper - to taste
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup frozen peas

Instructions

Sauté veggies. Heat a large stock pot over medium heat. Add olive oil and when hot, add the diced onion and carrots. Stir and sauté until veggies are slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and sauté another minute. Then remove veggies to a clean bowl.
1 Tablespoon olive oil, 1 cup white onion, 1 cup carrot, 3 cloves garlic
Toast orzo and rice. Add butter to pot and when melted, add the orzo pasta and long-grain rice. Stir well and then toast over medium-high heat until slightly brown and fragrant, 3-4 minutes (stirring frequently). Watch closely to make sure it doesn't burn!
3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, 3/4 cup orzo pasta, 1 cup long-grain white rice
Add broth. Add the sautéed veggies back to pot along with seasonings (salt, pepper, dried thyme and oregano). Then add chicken broth and bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat (lowering it slightly). Add lid and then let cook until broth is fully absorbed, about 15-20 minutes. Add frozen peas when liquid is almost absorbed.
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 3 ½ cups lower-sodium chicken broth, 1 cup frozen peas
Let rest. After the liquid is fully absorbed, remove the pan from heat. Let it sit covered for about 5 minutes.
Fluff. Use a fork to fluff the pilaf, and then transfer to a serving dish. Add extra freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Serve. Serve orzo rice pilaf with your choice of main dishes.

Notes

Store leftover orzo rice pilaf in an airtight container in your refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Nutrition