Looking for an easy, healthy, quick side dish? We here at Nerds with Knives central casting have just the guy for you. This orzo is so good that we’ve made it two nights in a row. And you know what? I’m probably going to make it again tonight and I’m not ashamed to say it! Well, slightly ashamed but that’s mostly because I’ve stripped our one sage plant bare solely due to my obsession with this dish. It has a very similar texture and flavor to risotto but only takes 15 minutes to make. How cool is that?
Orzo looks like rice but is actually pasta. I really like the flavor of the whole-wheat version (and an extra ‘yay’ for the health benefits) but use whatever kind you like. We had it with Chicken Baked with Creamy Mushroom Sauce and the combination was divine, but it would be great with just about anything.
Toasted Orzo with Sage
Ingredients
- 8 ounces orzo regular or whole wheat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1-3/4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 8-10 medium fresh sage leaves chopped (about 1 tablespoon)
- Water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a pot (that has a lid) over medium heat. Add the orzo cook, stirring frequently until the orzo is thoroughly coated with oil and has developed a rich golden color. You’re looking to just toast it, not make it dark brown.
- Add the broth, the sage and the salt and bring to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, lower the heat and cover, leaving the lid slightly askew to allow steam to escape. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes or until the liquid has nearly evaporated, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in about 1/4 cup of water and continue cooking, adding a couple of tablespoons of water at a time as needed, until the orzo is tender, about 3 minutes more. Stir in the butter and add salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste.
Looks and sounds amazing! Do you think I can freeze this? Just thinking it might be a nice freezer dish with your chicken and mushrooms to take to my son at college 🙂
Hi Teresa,
I’ve never tried it but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. I would maybe undercook the orzo just a tiny bit so it doesn’t become mushy when he re-heats it. If you try it, let me know how it turns out!
Making this tonight! My sage plant is still going strong so I figured why not use up its last leaves on this dish! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
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