Lemon Orzo

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers.

• Versatile Serving Options: Delicious whether served warm as a comforting side or chilled for a light, refreshing salad.

• Simple Ingredients: Utilizes common pantry staples and fresh produce, keeping the preparation straightforward and budget-friendly.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Maintains its delightful flavor and texture even when prepared a day in advance.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups fresh corn kernels (from about 3 ears of corn)

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)

• 2 cups orzo pasta

• Zest of 1 lemon

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Corn: Slice the kernels off the corn cobs into a bowl.

2. Sauté the Corn: In a large sauté pan, melt the butter over high heat. Add the corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown, approximately 10 minutes. Once done, transfer the corn to a mixing bowl.

3. Cook the Orzo: While the corn is cooking, bring the chicken broth to a low boil in a separate pot. Add the orzo pasta, reduce the heat to a low simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until the orzo is al dente.

4. Combine Ingredients: Drain any excess broth from the cooked orzo. In the mixing bowl with the sautéed corn, add the orzo, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, grated Parmesan, and olive oil. Stir to combine.

5. Season and Serve: Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for a warm dish, or refrigerate for at least an hour if serving cold.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy Twist: For a creamier texture, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream when combining the ingredients.

• Herb Infusion: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs such as basil, dill, or cilantro along with the parsley.

• Vegetable Medley: Incorporate additional vegetables like sautéed zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or spinach for added nutrition and color.

• Protein Addition: Turn this side dish into a main course by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power until warmed through. If the pasta has absorbed too much moisture, add a teaspoon of olive oil or a splash of broth to restore its creamy consistency.

FAQs

What is orzo?

Orzo is a type of pasta shaped like large grains of rice. It’s commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.

Can I use frozen or canned corn instead of fresh?

Yes, both frozen and canned corn can be used. If using canned corn, be sure to drain and rinse it before sautéing.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.

How can I prevent the orzo from sticking together?

Adding a tablespoon of olive oil and fluffing the orzo after cooking helps prevent sticking. If serving cold, an additional teaspoon of olive oil and fluffing after an hour of refrigeration will maintain the desired texture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this lemon orzo can be made a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and add a little olive oil to refresh its texture before serving.

What can I serve with lemon orzo?

It pairs well with dishes like fresh fennel salad, dill chickpea salad, lemon butter shrimp, or pesto ricotta crostini.

Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the orzo may become mushy upon thawing.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil and omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.

What other types of cheese can I use?

Pecorino Romano, crumbled feta, or cotija cheese are excellent alternatives to Parmesan.

How do I zest a lemon?

Use a microplane or fine grater to scrape off the yellow outer layer of the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.

Lemon Orzo

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• Author: Julia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This refreshing lemon orzo recipe blends the zesty brightness of fresh lemon with the sweet crunch of corn, making it a perfect side dish for any meal. Whether served warm or chilled, this simple yet flavorful dish is easy to prepare, packed with fresh ingredients, and ideal for meal prep.

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Ingredients

• 1½ cups fresh corn kernels (from about 3 ears of corn)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 2 cups orzo pasta
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Corn – Slice the kernels off the corn cobs.
2️⃣ Sauté the Corn – In a large sauté pan, melt the butter over high heat. Cook the corn, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned (about 10 minutes). Transfer to a bowl.
3️⃣ Cook the Orzo – In a pot, bring the broth to a low boil. Add orzo, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente.
4️⃣ Combine Ingredients – Drain any excess broth from the orzo. In the bowl with the sautéed corn, add the orzo, lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, and olive oil. Stir well.
5️⃣ Season and Serve – Add freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve warm or chill for a refreshing cold dish.

Notes

• Vegetarian Option – Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation – Replace butter with olive oil and omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
• Texture Tip – To prevent orzo from sticking, add a teaspoon of olive oil after cooking and fluff with a fork.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean