Orzo and Date Delight

Indulge in the irresistible balance of sweet and savory with this Orzo and Date Delight, a Mediterranean-inspired dish bursting with flavor and texture. Toasted orzo pasta forms the base of this comforting creation, infused with the warm aroma of cinnamon and cumin, while tender sautéed onions and garlic add depth. Chopped dates lend natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the crunch of toasted almonds, all brought together in a light vegetable broth. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, this one-pot recipe is perfect as a light vegetarian main or an impressive side dish. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or craving an exotic twist on pasta night, Orzo and Date Delight is sure to satisfy!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

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, finely chopped yellow onion
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 0.5 cup, chopped pitted dates
• 0.25 cup, toasted sliced almonds
• 2 tablespoons, chopped parsley
• 0.25 teaspoon (to taste) salt
• 0.25 teaspoon (to taste) black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, ground cinnamon, and ground cumin, and cook for an additional minute, allowing the spices to bloom.

Step 4

Add the orzo to the skillet and toast lightly, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant.

Step 5

Pour the vegetable broth into the skillet, stir, and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Step 6

Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7

Lower the heat and stir in the chopped dates, toasted almonds, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to combine and warm the dates.

Step 8

Remove from heat and sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top as a garnish.

Step 9

Serve warm and enjoy the blend of savory and sweet flavors!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	978 grams (978.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1734

Total Fat 53.30g	68%
Saturated Fat 6.40g	32%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.10g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1722mg	75%
Total Carbohydrate 290.50g	106%
Dietary Fiber 32.20g	115%
Total Sugars 96.30g
Protein 44.40g	89%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 350mg	27%
Iron 14mg	76%
Potassium 2199mg	47%

*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: 26.4%

Protein: 9.8%

Carbs: 63.9%