Green orzo is a delicious and versatile pasta dish that can be made with a variety of vegetables, herbs, and cheeses. The bright green color of the pasta comes from the spinach and the basil that I use in the dish.
The best thing about green orzo is the flavor. It’s a flavor explosion! The spinach and basil give it a fresh, herbaceous flavor, the pistachios add that nuttiness, and the Parmesan cheese adds richness and depth. I love the way the different flavors combine to create something truly unique and memorable.
I’ve made green orzo for friends and family, and they’ve all loved it. It’s a great dish to serve for a casual lunch or dinner party. It’s also easy to make ahead of time, so it’s perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
Orzo is a versatile Pasta with a long History.
Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that is often used in Italian dishes. It is also known as risoni, which means “little rice” in Italian. Orzo has a long history, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. It was originally made from barley, but today it is most commonly made from semolina flour. Orzo is a versatile pasta that can be used in various dishes. It is often used in soups, salads, and pilafs. Orzo can also be cooked and then fried, to create a dish similar to risotto. One of the most popular dishes that features orzo is Italian wedding soup. This soup is made with chicken broth, orzo, meatballs, and spinach. Orzo is also a popular ingredient in Greek cuisine. It is often used in soups, such as avgolemono soup, and salads, such as horiatiki a Greek village salad.
Next time you’re looking for a new way to add some wellness to your diet, reach for Orzo! When you cook with orzo, pair it with healthy ingredients like vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. This will help you create a balanced and nutritious meal.
Green Orzo, Red Wine Braised Belgian Endive,
Mascarpone & Pistachio Dukkah.
Green Sauce
There’s just something about how a green sauce can elevate a dish, adding flavor and freshness. My green sauce is loaded with fresh Basil, a classic herb that is perfect for Italian dishes, such as pasta, pizza, and salads. Adding and blending the spinach with basil, extra virgin olive oil, parmesan cheese, garlic, and pistachios creates a beautiful and colorful eye-popping green sauce that is the perfect match for the orzo and it can be used in a variety of dishes. The two greens will also complement each other in terms of flavor, with the spinach providing a mild, slightly sweet flavor and the basil providing a more peppery flavor.
Here are a few ideas for using Green Sauce:
- Pasta: Toss the sauce with cooked pasta for a quick, easy weeknight meal.
- Pizza: Spread the sauce on a pizza crust and top with your favorite toppings.
- Sandwiches: Spread the sauce on a sandwich instead of mayonnaise or mustard.
- Salads: Toss the sauce with your favorite greens for a flavorful salad.
- Dips: Use the sauce as a dip for vegetables, crackers, or chips.
The Visual
We’ve all heard the saying we eat with our eyes. Don’t be afraid to use a variety of colors in your food presentation. The natural color of green sauce makes your food look more appealing and interesting. Making a good plate will be inviting and enhance the pleasure of eating. Long supported by scientific studies, we use visual cues from color to identify and judge the quality and taste of what we eat. Reds, yellows, and oranges entice the palate, and green foods make us think we are eating healthy – no matter what the food actually is!
Here are some of the benefits of using Color in Food Presentation:
- Increases appetite: Studies have shown that people are more likely to eat food that is visually appealing. Color is one of the most important factors in determining whether food looks appealing. Bright, vibrant colors can make food look more appetizing and make people want to eat it.
- Improves flavor perception: Our perception of flavor is influenced by our sense of sight. When we see food that is colorful, our brains are tricked into thinking that it will taste better. This is because we associate certain colors with certain flavors. For example, we often associate red with sweetness and green with freshness.
- Makes food look more nutritious: People often associate bright, vibrant colors with fruits and vegetables, which are typically considered to be healthy foods. This is why using color in food presentation can make food look more nutritious. For example, a salad with a variety of colorful vegetables will look more nutritious than a salad with just a few types of vegetables.
- Creates a mood or atmosphere: Color can also be used to create a mood or atmosphere in a dining setting. For example, using warm colors like red and orange can create a warm and inviting atmosphere, while using cool colors like blue and green can create a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
Green Orzo, Chili Verde, Roasted Sweet Corn Tomato Salad, Green Egg Pork Shoulder
Dukkah
One of the things I love about dukkah is that it’s a great way to create different flavor profiles. I love experimenting with different ingredients for me it is a great way to add variety to your meals and discover new flavors. My Pistachio dukkah has a complex flavor profile that is both nutty and savory, with hints of sweetness, spice, and bitterness. The flavor combination of the green orzo and the pistachios dukkah is amazing.
Green Orzo is a great dish for a variety of reasons
- Quick and easy to make: Green orzo can be cooked in just a few minutes, making it a great option for a quick weeknight meal.
- Versatility: Green orzo can be served hot or cold, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal.
- Healthy: Green orzo is a good source of fiber and protein, making it a healthy option for those looking for a light and nutritious meal.
- Flavorful: Green orzo can be flavored with a variety of different herbs and spices, making it a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Green Orzo, Blistered Cherry Tomatoes, Ricotta, and Pistachio Dukkah.
The Taste
The flavors all blend together perfectly, creating a truly delicious and satisfying dish.
A dish that is nutty, garlicky, and herby.
You won’t be disappointed, the flavor combination of the green orzo and the pistachios dukkah is amazing.
The Process
If you’re looking for a delicious and flavorful dish that’s easy to make, green orzo is a great option.
The Verdict
The taste of green orzo with basil, pistachio nuts, and spinach
adds a complex blend of flavors.
Chef’s Tip
Orzo should be cooked until it is al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. If you overcook it, it will become mushy.
Orzo can be used in various dishes, including soups, salads, and pasta dishes.
It is also a great substitute for rice in pilaf dishes.
Green Orzo, Blistered Cherry Tomatoes, Ricotta, and Pistachio Dukkah.
Recommended Equipment
Ingredients
Green Sauce
- 1/2 ounce basil fresh
- 5 ounce spinach fresh washed
- 1 ounce parmesan cheese
- 3/4 ounce pistachio nuts chopped
- 2 garlic cloves peeled
- 1 ounce extra virgin olive oil
Blistered Cherry Tomatoes
- 2 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
Mascarpone and Pistachio Garnish
- 1/4 cup pistachio dukkah
- 1 tbsp parsley cilantro powder
- 6 tbsp fresh ricotta
Instructions
Cook your Orzo
- Measure your water, bring the water to a boil, and add the orzo. Cook the orzo over medium for about 8 minutes or until it has a firm, chewy texture, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking together.12 ounce orzo, 27 ounce water, 1 pinch sea salt
Make your Green sauce
- In a blender, blend the parmesan, pistachios, peeled garlic, fresh basil, olive oil spinach, and water. Blend until smooth1/2 ounce basil fresh, 3/4 ounce pistachio nuts, 2 garlic cloves, 1 ounce extra virgin olive oil, 5 ounce spinach fresh, 1 ounce parmesan cheese
Add the Green Sauce to the Orzo
- Add the green sauce to the cooked orzo and cook additional 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Blistered Tomatoes
- Heat the oil in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Add the tomatoes and let them sit undisturbed in the pan for 2 minutes, to blister on the bottom. Add sea salt, and toss with the tomatoes. Let them cook and blister another 2-3 minutes, stirring a few more times2 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 pinch sea salt
Plate and serve
- Garnish the green orzo with blistered cherry tomatoes, ricotta, parsley cilantro powder, and pistachio Dukkah scattered on top. You can garnish the dish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil before serving.1/4 cup pistachio dukkah, 1 tbsp parsley cilantro powder, 6 tbsp fresh ricotta
Nutrition
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate