They say some of the biggest surprises come in small packages (at least I think that is how the saying goes).  I like to say, some of the best recipes come in simple form.   My Italian Risotto with Orzo recipe is no exception.   When I first made this dish I wasn’t sure how much I would like it.  I mean, I knew it would taste good, but I didn’t realize how much it would taste good.

Risotto is mainly a Northern Italian dish and typically uses white rice.   I’m not a huge white rice fan and decided to use orzo instead.  I’m so glad I did!  By the way, it only took me 15 minutes to make.

For specific instructions visit the full recipe on my main Italian cooking website.  In a nut shell, cook some orzo in a combination of water and chicken broth (veggie broth if you are vegetarian).   Cook it so it absorbs all the liquid.   Then add in the Romano cheese, mushrooms, parsley and garlic, give a good stir and let it cook for a few minutes.   Serve it warm.

It sounds too simple to taste so good, but this is a winner.   I would like to try the recipe with some multi-grain orzo or other type of pasta grain.   I don’t know if orzo is even offered in other kinds of grains but I hope so because I do not think it would take away from the dish.

You can also try your own variations adding more vegetables such as chopped red peppers, chopped onions or even some chopped tomatoes.   Even some chicken pieces (maybe shredded) would help turn it into a main dish.  If you have any suggestions, feel free to post them here!

Ciao-

Liz
www.SimpleItalianCooking.com

Related posts:

1. What NOT to do with Orzo Risotto Tonight would have to be a quick dish.  With my husband under the weather so I was on my own...
2. Down in the Dumps? Here are 5 Italian Recipes to Lift You Up Let’s face it – we all have bad days.  We all have really bad days.  Some of us tend to...
3. How many types of short pasta are there? It’s helpful to have a basic understanding of the many types of short pasta.  There are three main types. Tubular...
4. Weekly Recipe Posted: Roasted Whole Chicken Recipe with Rosemary You can never run out of ideas for how to cook a whole chicken.  There are various techniques with the...
5. Storing Herbs – In Ice Trays?! When you think of storing herbs you don’t typically think of an ice tray.   I’ve seen it done a few...