Mediterranean Orzo Rice Dish (Printable)
A vibrant, aromatic dish combining tender orzo and fluffy rice with fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and Mediterranean vegetables.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Grains
01 - 1/2 cup orzo pasta
02 - 1/2 cup long-grain rice (such as basmati or jasmine)
03 - 2 cups vegetable broth
→ Vegetables
04 - 1 small red onion, finely chopped
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 zucchini, diced
07 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
→ Herbs & Flavorings
10 - Zest and juice of 1 lemon
11 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
13 - 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
15 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Optional Garnishes
16 - 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
17 - 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
# How-To Steps:
01 - Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear; drain well.
02 - In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper; cook for 3 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in the zucchini and garlic; cook for another 2 minutes.
04 - Add the orzo and rice; stir to coat grains with oil and vegetables for 1 minute.
05 - Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-17 minutes, until the rice and orzo are tender and the liquid is absorbed.
06 - Remove from heat. Let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff gently with a fork.
07 - Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, dill, oregano, salt, and pepper.
08 - Gently fold in the cherry tomatoes.
09 - Transfer to a serving dish. Top with feta cheese and olives if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The combination of orzo and rice creates this amazing texture that's somehow both fluffy and satisfyingly chewy
- It's one of those rare dishes that actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or unexpected guests
02 -
- The resting step after cooking is absolutely critical, I once skipped it and ended up with gummy grains that stuck together
- Fold in the cherry tomatoes at the very end, otherwise they'll release too much liquid and make your dish watery
03 -
- Buy the best olive oil you can afford since it's one of the main flavor components and really shines in simple dishes like this
- Taste your vegetables before adding salt at the end, especially if your broth is on the saltier side