This is just one of those dishes that is easy to make and tastes great! I use frozen organic broccoli for this as the fresh broccoli is too expensive, $5 for one bunch! Sometimes its $3.99 but even that costs too much for one small bunch of broccoli, the frozen is convenient as well, I can use how much I want and when ever I need it. You can use fresh if you have it. Another good thing about using frozen broccoli is you can grate it, and it will be hidden, the kids will never know!
I don’t measure my seasonings I just taste and adjust as I go along. As well as for the measurements for the orzo and liquid you can make more, I usually just pour it in, and because its pasta not rice ,you can add hot liquid as its cooking if you notice that its not enough. Same goes with veggies you can add more of any veggie you like.
I make the orzo with veggies on its own all the time, you can serve it on its own or you can top with grated Romano or Parmesan or as side with just anything. You can add other veggies as well, I sometimes add peas or mushrooms I basically use what ever vegetables I have in the fridge or freezer, any vegetable works.
At times I make this with chicken for the family. Recipe below.
What you will need for orzo :
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 and 1/2 cups boiled hot water
- 1 small red bell pepper
- 1 grated carrot
- 4 large broccoli florets
- 1 grated clove of garlic
- organic Herb with sea salt seasoning ( like Herbamare)
- extra salt if needed
- 1 tbsp salted butter
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
For the chicken:
- 3-4 chicken breast
- 5-6 broccoli florets
- 3-4 crushed cloves of garlic
- salt and organic Herb with sea salt seasoning
Chop pepper, broccoli and grate carrot. Melt butter, you may use more butter and less oil if you prefer, butter does give more flavour and makes it more creamier (you can use only olive oil). Add in veggies to the pot, add in the seasoning then orzo, add in the garlic and just fry for a few minutes. Add in the boiling water, and stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if need be. Cover but not totally closed you don’t want the water over flowing so leave a space for the steam to come out. Stir occasionally. Remove from heat when done cooking.
While the orzo is cooking, prepare the chicken if you are making it. Cut the chicken breasts in half so you can cook them in half the time, season with salt and the seasoning. Pan fry in a mixture of butter and oil. When the chicken is close to being done, in the same frying pan add in the cut up broccoli and garlic,season with salt, cook till crispy and garlic is browned.
Check chicken with a meat thermometer or as I do, cut it in half and when its white, no pinkness and or juices are clear it is done.
Spoon over the orzo in a dish and top with chicken and broccoli.
This recipe is so delicious and easy to make! I really loved it. And I love how it’s healthy. Thanks for sharing it 🙂