Budget Friendly Eats: Orzo and Rice Pilaf
By: Leah Rodrigues
Published: April 20, 2012

This orzo and rice pilaf is an easy meal that is studded with plenty of flavorful ingredients.  Rice is a staple in many diets around the world.  Thus, this affordable grain is a pantry staple in many households.  This is a basic recipe for that can be added to based on what is in your fridge and pantry.  Dried fruits, toasted nuts, herbs, vegetables, spices, and any kind of protein would be lovely in this dish.  Orzo and rice pilaf is a dish worth making if only to explore your own creativity in the kitchen.
Orzo and Rice Pilaf
Ingredients:



2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup orzo pasta
1/2 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup uncooked basmati rice
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup crumbled feta
Fresh chopped Italian flat leaf parsley for garnish
 
Directions:
 








Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Cook and stir orzo pasta until golden brown. Stir in onion and cook until translucent (3-5 minutes), then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.


   
Stir in rice and chicken broth. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender, and the liquid has been absorbed (20 to 25 minutes).


   
Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.


   
Garnish with crumbled feta and chopped parsley.

Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Cook and stir orzo pasta until golden brown. Stir in onion and cook until translucent (3-5 minutes), then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.


     
Stir in rice and chicken broth. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender, and the liquid has been absorbed (20 to 25 minutes).


     
Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.


     
Garnish with crumbled feta and chopped parsley.