Orzo pilaf with lemon

Lemon orzo pilaf is a traditional dish that has won over palates across various countries, especially in the Mediterranean region and parts of Latin America. Orzo, a rice-shaped pasta, is characterized by its quick cooking time and soft texture, making it ideal for pilafs and side dishes. In countries like Mexico and Colombia, this dish is often simply known as "pasta pilaf" or "rice with pasta," due to its similarity in preparation to traditional rice, while in other places it is valued for its citrusy touch provided by the lemon.

Its origin dates back to the influence of Arab and Mediterranean cuisine, where pilaf is an ancient technique of cooking grains and pasta in broth, enriched with fresh ingredients like aromatic herbs and citrus. This recipe easily adapts to different palates, allowing for the incorporation of local herbs and citrus elements to intensify the flavor. In this way, lemon orzo pilaf is an excellent example of how culinary traditions fuse to create simple, nutritious, and flavorful dishes.

How to Make Lemon Orzo Pilaf

For this recipe you will need: chicken broth, fresh basil, water, lemon zest, and orzo pasta. These ingredients are the main players that will give the dish its characteristic flavor and perfect texture.

Bring the chicken broth and water to a boil in a medium saucepan.

Add the orzo, basil, and lemon zest to the mixture.

Bring the preparation back to a boil, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.

Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Remove from heat and serve immediately to enjoy its freshness and the balance between the lemon flavor and the softness of the orzo.