If you’re an orzo lover, get ready to unite over this mouthwatering recipe that brings together the fresh flavors of lemon and asparagus in a delightful, easy-to-make dish.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a side dish that will impress your guests, this orzo recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients
To make this delicious orzo dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or a vegan alternative)
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
Preparing the Ingredients
- Wash and Trim Asparagus: Start by washing the asparagus thoroughly. Trim the ends and chop them into bite-sized pieces, about three pieces per stalk. Set them aside.
- Dice the Red Onion and Mince the Garlic: Dice half a red onion and mince 3-4 garlic cloves. Zest one lemon and set everything aside.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the Butter: In a large skillet or pot, heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
If you’re using a vegan alternative, that works just as well.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the diced red onion and minced garlic to the skillet.
Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Asparagus
Add the Asparagus: Toss in the chopped asparagus pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes.
This will start to soften the asparagus, making it tender and bright green.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Add the Orzo and Seasonings: Pour the dry orzo into the skillet along with the lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
Stir everything together for about a minute to toast the orzo.
This step enhances the flavor of the orzo by giving it a slightly nutty taste.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth
Pour in the Broth: Add 3 cups of low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth to the skillet.
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes.
Stir every couple of minutes to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
Step 5: Add Lemon Juice and Adjust Seasonings
Finish with Lemon Juice: After the orzo has absorbed most of the broth and is tender, add the juice from one lemon. Stir to combine. Taste the dish and adjust the seasonings if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with Extra Lemon Slices: This dish is delightful on its own but can be elevated with a few extra touches.
Serve with additional lemon slices for a fresh burst of flavor.
You can also sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top if you like.
Enjoy Your Meal!
This orzo dish is a fantastic option for a quick and easy meal.
It’s packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of fresh lemon, tender asparagus, and the nutty taste of toasted orzo.
Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served as a main course or a side dish.
Orzo lovers, unite and enjoy this delightful recipe! Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this dish is sure to be a hit.
Happy cooking!
Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to your liking. This recipe is quite flexible and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your delicious orzo creation!