published Jul 22, 2024 If you’ve ever had Turkish rice and wondered what it was that made it so much tastier and more satisfying than regular rice, I’ll let you in on the secret — it’s not just rice! This beloved dish, known as orzo rice, contains both basmati and pasta for a varied scheme of both texture and flavor that sets it apart from other rice side dishes. First, the orzo is cooked in butter to give it a rich, savory flavor and golden color. Then it’s boiled with the basmati (and in this case my own Turkish spice blend for extra flavor) and steamed until fluffy. That’s it! I personally love to match the seasonings in my main course with my sides, so I would recommend pairing it with another Middle Eastern dish like this one-pan roasted chicken and vegetables dish, shashlik, shawarma, or kafta.
Recommended Tools
Saucepan – Use a saucepan with a lid to properly steam this orzo rice recipe.
Storing and Reheating
Leftover orzo rice will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Let cool completely before transferring to an airtight container to prevent bacteria growth.
Orzo Pasta – A perfect example of the phrase “looks can be deceiving,” this ingredient is actually pasta! It’s made from semolina flour and tastes just like any other pasta out there. Butter – Add a bit of texture and a nutty, toasted flavor by briefly cooking the pasta in butter before steaming. You can substitute with olive oil if desired. Long Grain Rice – Turkish rice is traditionally made with long-grain varieties — most commonly basmati. Water – Add even more flavor to this orzo rice recipe by using broth instead of water: chicken, beef, vegetable, or even mushroom. Customize based on the protein you’re pairing it with! Turkish Spice Blend – Salt isn’t the only thing we’re adding to the cooking water! This warm, earthy spice blend will flavor the pasta and basmati from the inside out with sweet paprika, pepper, sumac, and cumin. So even if you don’t have the blend sitting in your spice cabinet, you probably already have the ingredients to make your own! Lemon Mint Sauce – This simple, tangy sauce is made from equal parts lemon juice, honey, mint, and flat-leaf parsley. The latter can be replaced with curly parsley, though it has less flavor.
This is one dish that’s tasty cold or warm, which makes it a fabulous next-day meal. If you do want to reheat it, transfer to a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of water, cover, and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through. Love this recipe? Share it with the world on Pinterest.
