Description
A refreshing and zesty lemon orzo recipe featuring toasted orzo pasta cooked with chicken stock, finished with fresh lemon zest, juice, and a medley of aromatic soft herbs like chives, dill, and basil. Perfect as a light side dish or base for combining with grilled fish or marinated chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Lemon Orzo
- 50g butter
- 500g orzo pasta
- 2 chicken stock cubes
- 1 lemon, zested
- Large handful of finely chopped soft herbs (chives, dill, basil)
- Good squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions
- Toast the Orzo: Heat the butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the orzo and stir well to coat it evenly with the melted butter. Toast the orzo for 4-5 minutes until it turns a golden color, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add the Stock and Cook: Crumble the chicken stock cubes over the toasted orzo. Increase the heat to high and pour in 1.3 litres of boiling water. Stir gently and cook the orzo for 10 minutes until tender, adding a splash more boiling water if necessary to keep the pasta submerged.
- Cool and Add Flavor: Remove the pan from heat and leave the orzo to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, stir in the freshly grated lemon zest and the finely chopped soft herbs like chives, dill, and basil to infuse vibrant flavors.
- Season and Store: Season the orzo with salt and pepper to taste, if desired, and add a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish. Allow the orzo to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the fridge and consume within four days.
- Serving Suggestions: Use this lemon orzo as a refreshing side dish or combine it with grilled trout or marinated chicken and feta for a delicious, light meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken stock cubes with vegetable stock cubes for a vegetarian option.
- Adding the herbs after cooling helps maintain their fresh flavor and color.
- Keep an eye on the orzo while toasting to prevent it from burning.
- This orzo keeps well refrigerated for up to four days in an airtight container.
- Adjust lemon juice quantity to taste for more or less tanginess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: lemon orzo, toasted orzo, lemon zest, soft herbs, easy orzo recipe, side dish, Mediterranean pasta salad
