Recipe

Toasted Orzo with Citrus and Olives

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This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Citrus Recipe
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EmilyC's Notes: I view this as more technique than recipe. I tasted toasted orzo a few years ago and it was a revelation to me. I’ve been making it this way ever since. When toasted, the orzo develops...
I view this as more technique than recipe. I tasted toasted orzo a few years ago and it was a revelation to me. I’ve been making it this way ever since. When toasted, the orzo develops a subtle nuttiness, and by adding orange or lemon zest, the entire dish is permeated with citrus flavor. Olives and fresh herbs are natural accompaniments, and I often serve this as a side dish to halibut or chicken. Don’t like olives? View this as a jumping off point and get creative – it’s infinitely adaptable. Some of my favorite variations include finely diced, sauteed fennel bulb with nicoise olives; cherry tomatoes with kalamata olives, fresh basil, and crumbled feta; and roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes with arugula and toasted sliced almonds. Also, a note on a valuable technique I picked up from Melissa Clark on preparing pasta and grains that are cooked in a covered pot to absorb the cooking liquid. If your toasted orzo is cooked but liquid remains in the pot, don't despair -- just drain it like you would any other pasta, and return it to the pan to dry over low heat for about 30 seconds. Works like a charm!

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Serves 4

1 ¼ cups orzo Ask a question about this ingredient

2 cups water or low-sodium broth (or combination of both) Ask a question about this ingredient

2 tablespoons olive oil (plus additional to taste) Ask a question about this ingredient

finely grated zest from 1 large lemon or orange (reserving juice) Ask a question about this ingredient

Kosher salt + freshly ground black pepper Ask a question about this ingredient

¼ to ½ cup of your favorite olives Ask a question about this ingredient

2 tablespoons coarsely chopped chives, flat-leaf parsley, or herb of choice Ask a question about this ingredient

In large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add orzo; stir to evenly coat all of the orzo with olive oil; cook, stirring frequently, until golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Add water and zest, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until orzo is al dente and liquid is absorbed, 10 to 15 minutes. If orzo is cooked but liquid remains, drain the orzo, return to pan, and cook about 30 seconds longer over low heat to dry the orzo.
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Stir in olives and chopped herbs, and add kosher salt, pepper, citrus juice and olive oil to taste. Enjoy!
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7 Comments on Toasted Orzo with Citrus and Olives

sdebrango added 2 months ago

Would it be alright if I feature this recipe on my blog next week? Full credit to you of course. I think its outstanding and will be great with grilled fish. Please let me know if its alright.

EmilyC added 2 months ago

Of course it's alright and I'm honored! I didn't know you had a blog, either. Count me as a follower! : )

sdebrango added 2 months ago

Thanks, I feature recipes on Thursdays so look for it then. I am going to make a chilean sea bass to go with it, I have been wanting to try this recipe and now I can't wait to make it.

GiGi26 added 4 months ago

Can't wait to try this!

EmilyC added 4 months ago

Thanks -- let me know if you try it! I always have a box of orzo on hand...it's a very versatile base recipe to have in your rotation!

sdebrango added 4 months ago

Love orzo, never toasted it before. I look forward to the same revelation. Sounds delicious Emily!

EmilyC added 4 months ago

Thanks sdebrango! If you like orzo, you're sure to love it toasted. Cooked this way, the orzo absorbs the zest and olive oil so you're starting with a much more flavorful base. Hope you enjoy it!