Golden Rice & Orzo is a delightful dish that effortlessly combines the nutty flavor of long-grain white rice with the delicate texture of orzo pasta, enhanced with aromatic spices and savory broth, creating a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. This recipe, with a total preparation and cooking time of just 30 minutes, makes it a perfect choice for a quick and easy meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup long-grain white rice
- 1/2 cup orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon Romano cheese (for garnish)
- Optional: onion flakes for added flavor
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 198.8 per serving
- Fat Content: 3.4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.9g
- Cholesterol Content: 7.6mg
- Sodium Content: 28.9mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 36.7g
- Fiber Content: 1.3g
- Sugar Content: 1.5g
- Protein Content: 4.7g
Instructions:
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Begin by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the long-grain white rice and orzo pasta to the saucepan.
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Saute the rice and orzo in the butter, stirring constantly, until they turn a beautiful golden color. This step helps to enhance the flavor and texture of the grains, infusing them with a rich, nutty taste.
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Once the rice and orzo are golden, gently pour in the low-sodium beef broth and water. Be careful as you pour to avoid any splashing. The combination of beef broth and water creates a flavorful base for the dish, adding depth and complexity to every bite.
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Season the mixture with garlic powder, turmeric, onion flakes (if using), and salt. These aromatic spices not only add wonderful flavor to the dish but also lend a vibrant golden hue, giving the rice and orzo a beautiful appearance.
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Stir the ingredients together, ensuring that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
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Once the liquid is boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a lid. Allow the rice and orzo to simmer gently for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are tender and have absorbed the liquid. Cooking the grains slowly over low heat helps to ensure that they cook evenly and become perfectly tender.
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Once the rice and orzo are cooked to perfection, remove the saucepan from the heat. Fluff the grains with a fork to separate them and release any excess steam.
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To serve, transfer the golden rice and orzo to a serving dish and garnish with freshly grated Romano cheese. The cheese adds a delightful salty kick and a creamy finish to the dish, elevating it to new heights of flavor.
Golden Rice & Orzo is best served warm, alongside your favorite main course or as a standalone dish. Whether you’re hosting a potluck dinner, celebrating Thanksgiving, or simply craving a delicious and wholesome meal in less than 30 minutes, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy!
