Golden Rice Orzo

Infuse your dinner table with warmth and flavor by whipping up this delightful Golden Rice Orzo, a vibrant fusion of creamy orzo pasta and aromatic spices. Highlighted by the golden hue of turmeric, this one-pot dish combines tender orzo with sautéed onions, fragrant garlic, and a velvety finish of parmesan cheese. Fresh parsley and a hint of zesty lemon lend a refreshing brightness to every bite, making it perfect as a hearty side dish or a stand-alone vegetarian main. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is an excellent choice for busy weeknights, offering comfort and sophistication in every bowl. Whether served alongside grilled vegetables, roasted chicken, or enjoyed solo, Golden Rice Orzo is sure to become a mealtime favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2.5 cups vegetable broth
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Sprinkle the turmeric powder into the skillet, stirring well to coat the onions and garlic.

Step 5

Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it lightly for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Step 6

Pour in the vegetable broth, then season with salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet.

Step 8

Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese until creamy.

Step 10

Finish by stirring in the chopped fresh parsley and lemon zest for a burst of freshness.

Step 11

Serve warm as a side dish or light main course, garnished with additional parsley or parmesan if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	985.2 grams (985.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1418

Total Fat 49.00g	63%
Saturated Fat 13.50g	68%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.40g
Cholesterol 40mg	13%
Sodium 3270mg	142%
Total Carbohydrate 202.00g	73%
Dietary Fiber 21.30g	76%
Total Sugars 17.20g
Protein 53.70g	107%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 624mg	48%
Iron 12mg	68%
Potassium 1397mg	30%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.1%

Protein: 14.7%

Carbs: 55.2%