Name: Carrot Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups finely grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots); 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon butter (optional); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Description

Carrot Orzo is a flavorful and easy-to-make stovetop pasta side dish that combines tender orzo with finely grated carrots, aromatic onions, and garlic. Enhanced with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese, this Mediterranean-inspired dish offers a perfect balance of savory and subtly sweet flavors, ideal as a light vegetarian main or a complement to roasted meats.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups finely grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon butter (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Cook carrots: Add the finely grated carrots to the saucepan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often to soften them and meld flavors.
Toast orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to lightly brown it and enhance its nutty flavor.
Simmer with broth: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth along with salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Finish and serve: Remove from heat and stir in butter (if using), fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese (if desired). Adjust seasoning to taste and serve the dish warm.

Notes

For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream or extra cheese at the end.
This dish pairs wonderfully as a side to roasted meats or can be served as a light vegetarian main alongside a fresh salad.
Use vegetable broth to keep this dish fully vegetarian; chicken broth can be used for added richness.
Parmesan cheese can be omitted for a dairy-free option.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mediterranean