Lemon Basil Orzo And Vegetables Recipes

LEMON BASIL ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Cook orzo in generously salted water. Drain and rinse with cold water, until cooled.
• Place basil, garlic, and lemon zest in a food processor. Pulse repeated until uniformly chopped. Add lemon juice, oil, salt and pepper. Pulse a couple more times, until combine, but not smooth.
• Place cooled orzo into a bowl and toss with the flavorful basil lemon sauce. Add any additions you like- cherry tomatoes, cucumber, chickpeas, snap peas, goat cheese, avocado, nuts, seeds, arugula, etc.
• Orzo will soak up much of the salt after it sits, so make sure to taste for salt right before serving. I'll usually add another ¼ teaspoon. Adjust lemon adding more to taste.
• Enjoy!

LEMON BASIL ORZO AND VEGETABLES

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.

LEMON-BASIL ORZOTTO

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.

ONE-POT LEMON-BASIL ORZO AND VEGETABLES

Steps:

• In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add zucchini; cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is lightly browned. Transfer zucchini to plate.
• Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil, the onion and garlic to skillet. Cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until softened. Add orzo; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until orzo is lightly toasted. Stir in broth, tomatoes, chick peas, lemon peel, salt and pepper. Heat to boiling; cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook 8 to 10 minutes or until most of liquid has absorbed and orzo is almost tender.
• Add zucchini and lemon juice to orzo mixture; stir to combine. Remove from heat, cover and let stand 3 to 5 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed. Stir in basil, and serve.

EASY LEMONY ORZO WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES AND FETA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400° F.
• Toss the bell peppers, onion, and eggplant with the olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper on a large sheet pan. Roast the vegetables for about 20 minutes, and then toss in the garlic. (Do not add it earlier or it will burn). Roast for about 20 minutes more, or until browned, turning once or twice with a large spatula.
• Meanwhile, cook the orzo in plenty of boiling salted water for about 7 minutes, until tender. Do not over cook. Drain the orzo and transfer to a large serving bowl. When the roasted vegetables are done and while they are still warm, add them to the pasta, scraping all the liquid and seasonings from the roasting pan into the pasta bowl.
• To make the dressing, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. (It makes more than what you will actually need for this recipe)
• Pour some (but not all of the dressing) on the pasta and vegetables. Let everything come to room temperature, then add the toppings: scallions, pine nuts, Greek Feta, and fresh basil. Gently toss everything to combine. Taste and adjust the seasonings. Serve at room temperature.

LEMON ORZO

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Add 2 teaspoons salt and the orzo. Return the water to a boil and simmer uncovered for 9 to 11 minutes, until the orzo is al dente. Drain.
• Transfer the orzo to a bowl and stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Fold in the feta and serve hot.

VEGETABLE ORZO

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Add orzo, and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, and set aside.
• Meanwhile, warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion, garlic, and carrot, and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in zucchini, and cook for 2 minutes more. Pour in 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, and deglaze pan. Reduce heat to medium low, and season with salt and pepper. Add orzo to skillet, then stir in remaining 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar and lemon juice.

VEGETABLE ORZO WITH LEMON & HERB SEASONING

Steps:

• Start by heating the oil in a large saucepan/wok on medium heat.
• Add the onion and garlic and saute for a minute or two.
• Add the carrot and celery and saute for another 2 minutes.
• Then add the chopped bell pepper and continue sauteeing for another 2-3 minutes.
• Add in the mushrooms and the orzo, stirring them into the vegetable mixture.
• Pour in enough broth to cover, about 1 cup.
• Let the orzo absorb the broth, adding more as necessary.
• Add in the grated lemon rind and herbs (and chili pepper flakes, if desired).
• When the orzo has absorbed all the broth and is plump looking, the meal is ready to serve.
• Season with salt and pepper and serve with a nice crusty bread.