Orzo 'Risotto'

Risotto is one of those dishes on my "too much work, probably won't make it anytime soon" list so I usually bypass recipes that are versions of it. But I've been having cravings for orzo pasta lately so when I came across this version of Orzo Risotto on Serious Eats, I figured I'd give it a try.

This was really quick to make and very tasty. It went well as a side dish for chicken which is what Serious Eats recommended. Reminded me of a richer, tastier  Rice-A-Roni, very creamy though not like real risotto. I'd make this anytime I wanted a nice pasta side dish. Mr. L really liked it.
Check out the Serious Eats recipe here as there are some interesting variations in the comments.

Orzo "Risotto'

1 pound box orzo
2 cups chicken stock or other broth
Zest of one orange
1/4 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme
2 oz finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (about 1 cup)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Bring a pot of salty water to boil, and cook orzo for 4-5 minutes, until softened but still hard in the center.
Meanwhile, bring a saucepan to a simmer with the stock, thyme, and zest. Add parboiled orzo and stir well.
Simmer orzo in stock, stirring regularly, until all the liquid is absorbed.
Off the heat, stir in cheese and butter, and season with salt and pepper.
Serves 4

Note: I just used Better than Bullion for the stock. The orange I had was a bit small so there wasn't a strong orange taste but I probably would have added more if I'd had it.

Comments

[peabody]

The orange seems like an odd addition with the rest of those ingredients. Hmmm.

[Tartelette]

I can seee how the orange would bring the flavors out nicely. Not common but great thinking! Orzo surely is a great substitute when making risotto. I could eat 2 bowls of this!!

[Emiline]

This "risotto" looks wonderful! So much easier and quicker. I have whole wheat orzo in my closet, right now. Orzo was kind of expensive here. I think I paid $6?

[Sara]

I just made risotto last night - a Martha Stewart recipe, it really wasn't that bad ... its not the stirring nightmare I have heard about ... I used all the ingredients she suggested and added sliced baby portabello and white mushrooms sauteed...it was awesome, even my boyfriend how declared he HATED risotto and would not be eating it (he was confused with couscous) loved it! Check out this month's Everyday Food ... or the website.

Sara

[Jan]

OMG - my mouth is watering as I sit in front of a Weight Watchers waiting for it to open. If I have good results today I might have to give this recipe a try as a celebration! LOL

[Jeanette]

I love a good risotto. Am gonna give this recipe a try. :)