Description
Carrot Orzo is a flavorful and colorful pasta dish that combines tender orzo with grated carrots, aromatic spices, and zesty lemon juice. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe is quick to prepare and makes a delicious side or light vegetarian main.
Ingredients
Scale
Orzo Pasta:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Grated Carrots:
- 2 cups carrots, peeled and grated
Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Cook Orzo: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté: In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add grated carrots, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until carrots are tender.
- Combine: Add cooked orzo to the skillet, toss to combine. Remove from heat and stir in parsley, Parmesan (if using), and lemon juice.
- Adjust and Serve: Adjust seasoning and serve warm.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use vegetable broth instead of water for cooking the orzo.
- Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch.
- This dish can be served as a side or a light vegetarian main.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
