Indulge your taste buds with a delightful culinary journey into the realm of minted orzo. This versatile pasta, shaped like rice grains, plays the starring role in a collection of tantalizing recipes that cater to diverse palates and dietary preferences. From the classic combination of fresh mint, tangy lemon, and salty feta cheese in the "Classic Minted Orzo Salad" to the vibrant and flavorful "Mediterranean Minted Orzo Salad" bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and artichoke hearts, these dishes promise an explosion of flavors. For those seeking a heartier option, the "Creamy Pesto Minted Orzo" offers a velvety sauce infused with basil, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of mint, while the "Baked Minted Orzo with Chicken and Vegetables" presents a comforting casserole-like dish packed with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a minty twist. Embrace the versatility of minted orzo and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
MINTED SQUASH-ORZO SALAD
Provided by Claire Robinson
Time 30m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over medium heat. Stir in the orzo and cook as the label directs. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water until cool. Drain, shake off the excess water and transfer to a large bowl.
- Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons garlic olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the squash, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to brown, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature.
- Add the squash to the bowl with the orzo. Stir in three-quarters of the feta, the mint, the remaining 2 tablespoons garlic olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Top with the remaining feta and more mint.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 249 calorie, Fat 8.5 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Cholesterol 19 milligrams, Sodium 361 milligrams, Carbohydrate 34 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 9 grams, Sugar 4 grams
MINTED ORZO SALAD WITH GRAPEFRUIT
Provided by Molly O'Neill
Categories pastas, salads and dressings
Time 2h40m
Yield Four servings
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Combine the grapefruit juice and grated lemon and orange rinds in a large glass or ceramic bowl. Whisk in the olive oil. Add the salt and pepper. Pour half of the liquid into a separate bowl and refrigerate.
- Add the oregano, jalapeno and shrimp to the remaining vinaigrette. Toss to combine and refrigerate for 2 hours. Grill the shrimp over hot coals until cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Set aside to cool. Peel, devein and cut into bite-size pieces.
- Pour the broth into a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat. Combine the olive oil and leek in a nonstick skillet. Cook over medium-low heat until the leek softens, about 5 minutes. Add the orzo and stir to combine. Ladle in 1/2 cup of the broth and stir. Increase the heat to medium and continue adding the broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly, until the orzo is tender, about 15 minutes. Drain. Rinse under cold running water. Set aside.
- Put the reserved vinaigrette in a salad bowl, add the salad greens and toss. Add shrimp, orzo, coriander and parsley leaves and toss to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 314, UnsaturatedFat 5 grams, Carbohydrate 39 grams, Fat 7 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 25 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 997 milligrams, Sugar 10 grams, TransFat 0 grams
MINTED SQUASH ORZO
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over medium heat. Stir in the orzo and cook for 8 minutes; pasta will be slightly undercooked. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain the orzo in a colander in the sink. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the squash, season with salt and pepper, to taste, and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown and soften, about 4 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and add the cooked orzo and cooking water. Bring to a simmer and stir in 3/4 of the feta; season with salt and pepper. Cook until the water is absorbed, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons oil and mint. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle the remaining feta over the top and garnish with additional chopped mint.
MINTED ORZO
In just 15 minutes, I can make a warm, fresh-tasting side. Its mild flavor balances lots of entrees, especially the spicy ones. -Donna Curtis, Oakhurst, New Jersey
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 15m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Cook orzo according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute garlic in oil and butter for 2 minutes., Drain orzo and add to the skillet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; toss to coat. Sprinkle with mint.
Nutrition Facts :
Tips:
- Use a large pot: Orzo can double or even triple in size when cooked, so make sure to use a large enough pot to prevent boiling over.
- Rinse the orzo: Rinsing the orzo before cooking helps to remove any excess starch and prevent the orzo from sticking together.
- Cook the orzo according to package directions: Be sure to cook the orzo according to the package directions to ensure that it is cooked through but not overcooked.
- Add the orzo to the boiling water: When adding the orzo to the boiling water, be sure to stir it gently to prevent it from sticking together.
- Drain the orzo: Once the orzo is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Fluff the orzo with a fork: Before serving, fluff the orzo with a fork to separate the grains and prevent it from clumping together.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs, such as mint, parsley, and basil, add a bright, vibrant flavor to the orzo. If you don't have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs, but be sure to use less, as they are more concentrated.
- Don't overcook the vegetables: When adding vegetables to the orzo, be careful not to overcook them. Overcooked vegetables will become mushy and lose their flavor.
- Season to taste: Be sure to season the orzo to taste with salt, pepper, and other spices. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar to brighten the flavors.
Conclusion:
Minted orzo is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It is also a great make-ahead meal, as it can be reheated and served later. With its bright, vibrant flavors and simple ingredients, minted orzo is sure to please everyone at your table.
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