I first tried Lebanese Rice when a close friend introduced me to their family’s treasured recipe. Known as riz ib shaareeya, this authentic dish blends fluffy long-grain white rice with toasted orzo, giving it a mild, nutty flavor that has been loved for generations in Lebanese and Turkish cuisine. You might enjoy this Smoked Mississippi Pot Roast for another comforting meal inspired by classic flavors.
This one-pot recipe is ready in 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy side dish. Its chewy, tender texture pairs beautifully with chicken, fish, or salmon, and it’s a hit for kids and adults. For a perfectly balanced plate, serve it alongside Grilled Steak Pinwheels, asparagus, or green beans almondine for a meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Is Lebanese Rice Good for You as a Side Dish?
Yes, orzo rice is a nutritious option that’s easy to make and an excellent substitute for other grains. This delicious mix of textures boasts a wealth of nutrients, making it a bright, flavorful addition to any meal. For more wholesome inspiration, try pairing it with Grilled Chicken Paillard for a balanced dish.
The first time I cooked orzo, I loved its mild flavor and how it complemented various dishes. Packed with health benefits, it’s a versatile side dish and a wholesome way to enhance your meals effortlessly. Consider serving it alongside a Jalapeño Popper Burger for a hearty pairing for a creative twist.
What Does Lebanese Rice Taste Like?
The first time I tried orzo, I was impressed by its mild, nutty flavor and chewy texture when cooked al dente. It’s a versatile grain that pairs well with many dishes, making it an excellent substitute for traditional types of rice. For a delightful twist, I paired it with Sticky Soy and Garlic Chicken Nibbles; the flavors complemented each other.
Is Orzo the Same as Pasta Rice?
I was surprised to learn that orzo is often called pasta rice because its shape and size closely resemble rice grains. Unlike rice, orzo is made from semolina flour, a type of wheat used in Italian pasta, and is classified as pastina, meaning “little pasta.”
The name orzo comes from the Italian word for barley, as its shape mimics barley grains, though the two don’t cook the same. While orzo may look like rice or barley, it’s more like long-grain pasta, so remember this when shopping.
Recipe Ingredients for Lebanese Rice
1.Salted Butter:
Salted butter for toasting the orzo adds a vibrant flavor while coating the grains. This helps prevent them from sticking together, ensuring perfect texture in every bite.
2. Orzo Pasta:
Choose a quality brand like Delallo Foods for the best orzo pasta. Although orzo shares its name with barley (Italian for barley), they are entirely different, so don’t confuse them.
3. White Rice:
Use long-grain white rice for this recipe, like Uncle Ben’s or any similar brand. If you only have short-grain rice, note that it can result in a stickier texture, unlike the fluffy consistency of long-grain.
4. Water:
Use an accurate measuring cup to add the right amount of water for cooking the rice and orzo together. This ensures the grains cook evenly and achieve the ideal tenderness.
5. Kosher Salt:
Season with kosher salt and adjust to taste. Its clean flavor enhances the dish without overpowering the natural richness of the rice and toasted orzo.
Using these carefully chosen, high-quality ingredients ensures an authentic flavor and the perfect texture for a rich and satisfying orzo rice dish.
How to Make This Orzo Rice Recipe
This recipe is simple and rewarding if you follow these easy steps for the perfect texture and flavor. Pair it with Herb Garlic Chicken Marylands for a complete and satisfying meal.
Melt the Butter:
In a 3-quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from burning.
Brown the Orzo:
Add the orzo pasta to the pot with the melted butter. Toast it until it’s a light golden brown, stirring occasionally as the butter turns bubbly and foam-like.
Add Remaining Ingredients:
Stir in the long-grain white rice, water, and a pinch of kosher salt. Scrape any browned pieces from the bottom of the pot to incorporate their flavor.
Cook and Simmer:
Bring the water to a boil over medium heat, then cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer undisturbed for 18-20 minutes until the rice and orzo are tender.
Rest and Serve:
Remove the pot from heat and place a clean, dry towel under the lid to absorb moisture. Let the rice rest for 10-15 minutes, then fluff with a fork and serve immediately.
Following these steps ensures an authentic and perfectly cooked orzo rice dish that your family will love.
Cacio-e-Pepe Variation
- Cheesy and Peppery Twist: Add a rich, cheesy, peppery flavor to the original orzo rice recipe.
- Ingredients Needed: Use ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper to taste.
- Cooking Instructions: Stir the Parmesan cheese and black pepper into the hot cooked orzo rice until evenly combined.
- Serving Tip: Garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese and serve hot for a creamy, flavorful finish.
Variations
You can customize this recipe by adding various ingredients to enhance its flavor. Try mixing in sun-dried tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, crumbled feta cheese, or Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean flair. Fresh herbs, diced tomatoes, or cooked broccoli also taste great and add a vibrant touch.
Notes and tips
· Swap water with chicken or vegetable stock to make the rice pilaf richer and more flavorful.
· Incorporate diced carrots, peas, or corn while cooking to add color, texture, and nutrition to the dish.
· Keep leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for 5 days to maintain freshness.
· Sprinkle spices like allspice, nutmeg, paprika, or black pepper for extra depth and warmth in the dish.
· Add a squeeze of fresh lemon over the rice pilaf before serving for a bright, tangy flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Lebanese rice with orzo is a versatile side dish that complements the flavors of various mains. Pair it with Juicy Grilled Steak Pinwheels for an elegant dinner, or enjoy it alongside Halal Cart-Style Chicken for a flavorful weeknight meal. It also works wonderfully with roasted vegetables or as an accompaniment to Smoked Mississippi Pot Roast for a hearty and satisfying feast.
How to Store and Reheat
Store Properly: Allow the orzo rice to fully cool before transferring it to an airtight container. To cool it quickly and evenly, spread the rice on a parchment-lined baking sheet until it reaches room temperature. Once safely cooled, store it in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 days.
Avoid Multiple Cooling and Reheating: Repeatedly cooling and reheating orzo rice can promote the growth of harmful bacteria, potentially leading to Reheated Rice Syndrome. Always reheat only the amount you plan to serve.
Reheat Safely: Place the orzo rice in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water to restore moisture for the best results. Reheat until the temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Maintain Freshness: Refrigerate the rice promptly and keep it in a sealed container to ensure it stays fresh and safe for serving during storage. Proper handling preserves both its flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you use orzo in place of rice?
Yes, orzo can substitute rice in many dishes, but remember it’s a type of pasta, so the texture and flavor will differ slightly. - What kind of rice is orzo?
Orzo is not a type of rice; it’s a pasta made from semolina flour, shaped like rice grains. - Is orzo healthier than rice?
It depends Orzo contains more protein and fiber than white rice, but whole-grain rice can be healthier due to its natural nutrients. - What is orzo made of?
Orzo is made from semolina flour, a high-protein wheat commonly used in making pasta.
Lebanese Rice (Under 30 Minutes)
Equipment
- 3 quart pot with lid
Ingredients
Orzo Pasta and Rice
- 1 stick salted butter 1/2 cup
- 1 cup orzo pasta uncooked, Delallo brand
- 1.5 cups white rice uncooked, Uncle Ben's brand
- 3.75 cups water this equals 3 + 3/4 cups
- pinch salt
Cacio e Pepe Variation
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese fold the cheese into the cooked pasta
- cracked black pepper to taste, fold into the cooked pasta
Instructions
- Melt the Butter: Place a 3-quart pot over medium heat, add butter, and let it melt, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Lightly Brown the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the melted butter. Stir occasionally until the orzo turns light golden-brown and the butter becomes bubbly and foam-like.
- Add the Rice, Water, and Salt: Stir in the long-grain white rice, water, and a pinch of kosher salt. Mix thoroughly, scrape the bottom for flavor, and bring to a boil.
- Simmer the Rice: Cover the pot with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer undisturbed for 18-20 minutes until the rice and orzo are tender.
- Rest and Fluff the Rice: Remove from heat, uncover, and place a dry, clean towel over the pot. Re-cover with the lid, let rest for 5 minutes, fluff with a fork, and serve hot.
Notes
WP Recipe Maker #6920remove
Lebanese Rice (Under 30 Minutes) A 30-minute one-pot recipe combining fluffy rice and toasted orzo for a nutty flavor. Includes ingredients, steps, variations, and tips for easy cooking and storage. Course: Side Dish Cuisine: American Prep Time: 5m Cook Time: 20m Total Time: 30m Rest Time:: 5m Servings: 4 servings – quart pot with lid Orzo Pasta and Rice – 1 stick salted butter 1/2 cup – 1 cup orzo pasta uncooked, Delallo brand – 1.5 cups white rice uncooked, Uncle Ben’s brand – 3.75 cups water this equals 3 + 3/4 cups – pinch salt Cacio e Pepe Variation – ½ cup grated parmesan cheese fold the cheese into the cooked pasta – cracked black pepper to taste, fold into the cooked pasta 1) Melt the Butter: Place a 3-quart pot over medium heat, add butter, and let it melt, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. 2) Lightly Brown the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the melted butter. Stir occasionally until the orzo turns light golden-brown and the butter becomes bubbly and foam-like. 3) Add the Rice, Water, and Salt: Stir in the long-grain white rice, water, and a pinch of kosher salt. Mix thoroughly, scrape the bottom for flavor, and bring to a boil. 4) Simmer the Rice: Cover the pot with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer undisturbed for 18-20 minutes until the rice and orzo are tender. 5) Rest and Fluff the Rice: Remove from heat, uncover, and place a dry, clean towel over the pot. Re-cover with the lid, let rest for 5 minutes, fluff with a fork, and serve hot. Notes for Cacio-e-Pepe Variation: Stir ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the cooked orzo rice. Add a few turns of cracked black pepper to taste. Top with shaved Parmesan cheese before serving for a creamy, flavorful twist. Nutrition Information for 1 Serving: Calories: 155 | Total Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4.5g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 60mg | Total Carbohydrates: 22g | Dietary Fiber: 1g | Sugars: 0g | Protein: 3g This estimation is based on the ingredients provided and standard serving sizes. Let me know if you’d like further adjustments or details! calories 155