Embark on a culinary journey with a delightful one-pot dish that tantalizes your taste buds and nourishes your body. This Lemon Basil Orzo and Vegetables recipe is a symphony of flavors and textures, effortlessly combining the tangy zest of lemon, the aromatic freshness of basil, and the wholesome goodness of orzo pasta and an array of colorful vegetables. It's a vibrant and versatile dish that can be tailored to your dietary preferences, making it a perfect choice for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Whether you're seeking a quick and easy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a special occasion, this one-pot wonder delivers both convenience and culinary excellence.
**Explore Variations:**
1. **Vegan Delight:** Transform this recipe into a plant-based masterpiece by omitting the Parmesan cheese and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Top it with toasted pine nuts for an added nutty crunch.
2. **Protein Powerhouse:** Elevate this dish to a protein-packed meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment with your favorite protein sources.
3. **Vegetable Extravaganza:** Don't be limited to the vegetables mentioned in the recipe. Feel free to add your favorite veggies, such as broccoli florets, bell peppers, or zucchini. The more colorful, the merrier!
4. **Spice It Up:** Add a touch of heat to this dish by incorporating red pepper flakes or chili powder. Adjust the quantity based on your personal preference for spiciness.
5. **Herby Haven:** Enhance the herbaceous flavor of this dish by adding fresh thyme or oregano along with the basil. This aromatic combination will create a delightful sensory experience.
6. **Cheese Lovers' Paradise:** For those who adore cheese, feel free to add a generous sprinkle of Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese on top of the finished dish. It's a cheesy indulgence that will leave you craving more.
LEMON BASIL GREEK ORZO SALAD
EASY, ready in 25 minutes, and lemon and basil give it such a FRESH taste!! Feeds a crowd, great for parties, picnics, and potlucks!
Provided by Averie Sunshine
Categories Sides, Salads & Vegetables
Time 25m
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- To a large pot, add the orzo and cook according to package directions. Drain and return to pot or very large bowl; set aside.
- While orzo is cooking, to a large skillet add 3 tablespoons olive oil, onions, and cook for about 3 minutes; stir intermittently.
- Add the zucchini, garbanzo beans, season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper pepper, Italian seasoning, oregano, and cook for about 3 more minutes, or until zucchini is slightly softened; stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Add the garlic, stir to combine, and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Transfer the onion and zucchini mixture to the large pot with the drained orzo.
- Add the spinach (looks like a lot but it will wilt) and stir to incorporate. Stir for about 2 minutes, or until it begins to wilt from the carryover heat.
- Add the cucumbers, tomatoes, basil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and stir well to incorporate.
- Add the feta and stir to combine. Tip - If you want the feta to remain more intact, don't add it until the orzo has cooled down a bit, or it will melt, which is totally fine, you just won't see the white crumbles.
- Taste, and as desired, add additional salt and pepper. I added an additional approximately 2 additional teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper because it's a very large quantity of food.
- If desired, drizzle in additional olive oil. I added another approximately 2 tablespoons for flavor and so that the orzo doesn't stick as it cools.
- Serve immediately. Recipe can be served warm, at room temp, or chilled.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 304 calories, Carbohydrate 45 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 15 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 10 grams fat, Fiber 6 grams fiber, Protein 11 grams protein, SaturatedFat 3 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 565 grams sodium, Sugar 12 grams sugar, TransFat 0 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 5 grams unsaturated fat
LEMON-BASIL ORZOTTO
Provided by Kelsey Nixon
Time 25m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and saute until fragrant and translucent. Add the orzo and toast for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the wine and cook until absorbed.
- Gradually add the chicken stock, stirring frequently. Bring to a simmer, lower the heat, and cover. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until the liquid is almost absorbed and orzo is tender. Remove from the heat.
- Stir in peas, Parmesan, fresh basil, lemon zest, heavy cream, and lemon juice. Season the orzo with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve.
LEMON BASIL ORZO AND VEGETABLES
An EASY vegan recipe ready in 30 minutes that makes it easy to eat your veggies while enjoying the comforts of pasta, too!! The lemon and basil make the dish taste fresh and light!!
Provided by Averie Sunshine
Categories 30-Minute Meals
Time 30m
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- To a very large pot, add the orzo and cook according to package directions. Tip - Add 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil to the water to prevent orzo from sticking, Drain and return to pot; set aside.
- While orzo is cooking, to a separate large skillet add 3 tablespoons olive oil, onions, and cook for about 5 minutes; stir intermittently.
- Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant; stir nearly continuously.
- Add the beans, zucchini, broccoli, bell peppers, season evenly with salt, pepper, cardamom, optional cayenne, stir, cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium and allow vegetables to steam for about 5 minutes, or until as tender as desired.
- Transfer the beans and vegetables to the pot with the orzo, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, basil, stir to combine, taste and check for seasoning balance. At this point I added 2 additional teaspoons salt, 1 additional teaspoon pepper, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. This is a very large pot of pasta and vegetables, don't be afraid to season it generously; the olive oil keeps everything from sticking, especially the leftovers.
- Optionally garnish with lemon wedges and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 341 calories, Carbohydrate 55 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 0 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 9 grams fat, Fiber 9 grams fiber, Protein 12 grams protein, SaturatedFat 1 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 660 grams sodium, Sugar 10 grams sugar, TransFat 0 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams unsaturated fat
ORZO WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES
This recipe is a slight variation of a wonderful summer dish invented by Sarah Leah Chase in her book The Open House Cookbook.
Provided by Ina Garten
Categories side-dish
Time 1h
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Toss the eggplant, bell peppers, onion, and garlic with the olive oil, salt, and pepper on a large sheet pan. Roast for 40 minutes, until browned, turning once with a spatula.
- Meanwhile, cook the orzo in boiling salted water for 7 to 9 minutes, until tender. Drain and transfer to a large serving bowl. Add the roasted vegetables to the pasta, scraping all the liquid and seasonings from the roasting pan into the pasta bowl.
- For the dressing, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper and pour on the pasta and vegetables. Let cool to room temperature, then add the scallions, pignolis, feta, and basil. Check the seasonings, and serve at room temperature.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use fresh lemon zest and juice.
- If you don't have fresh basil, you can use 1 teaspoon dried basil.
- If you don't have orzo, you can use another small pasta, such as penne or macaroni.
- You can add other vegetables to this dish, such as zucchini, broccoli, or peas.
- If you want a vegetarian dish, you can omit the chicken.
- Serve this dish immediately, or store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
This one-pot lemon basil orzo and vegetables is a quick and easy meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. It is also a healthy and flavorful dish that is sure to please the whole family. So next time you are looking for a simple and delicious meal, give this recipe a try.
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