Healthy Risoni Orzo is a nutritious and delicious dish that is perfect for anyone looking for a healthy meal option. This recipe uses risoni, also known as orzo, which is a small rice-shaped pasta that is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine.
How To Make:
To make Healthy Risoni Orzo, start by cooking the risoni in a pot of boiling water until it is tender. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In a separate pan, sauté garlic and diced onions in a little bit of olive oil until they are softened. Then, add chopped vegetables of your choice, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms, and cook until they are tender.
Next, add the cooked risoni to the vegetable mixture and stir until everything is well combined. Season the dish with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, such as basil or oregano. If you want to add some protein to the dish, you can also add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
This Healthy Risoni Orzo recipe is a great option for anyone who wants to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor. It is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from vegetables and whole-grain versions. Additionally, the dish is low in fat and calories, making it perfect for anyone who is watching their weight.
Tips and Variations:
Experiment with different vegetables: You can use any vegetables you like in this dish. Try adding some roasted eggplant or butternut squash for a sweet flavor, or some kale or spinach for added nutrition.
Add some protein: This dish can be a complete meal by itself, but if you want to add some protein, you can use grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Make it vegan: To make this dish vegan, simply omit the cheese and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Add some spice: If you like a little bit of spice, try adding some red pepper flakes or chili powder to the dish.
Use whole grain risoni: To make this dish even healthier, use whole grain risoni instead of regular risoni. Whole grain risoni is higher in fiber and nutrients than regular pasta.
Use homemade broth: You can use homemade chicken or vegetable broth instead of store-bought broth for a more flavorful dish.
Add some nuts: Toasted almonds or pine nuts can be added to the dish to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Add some cheese: If you are not vegan, you can add some grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta cheese on top of the dish for added flavor.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of risoni (orzo) pasta
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup of mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil
Instructions:
Cook the risoni pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the onion is soft, add the garlic and onion and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes.
Add the bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender.
Season the vegetables with salt and black pepper.
Add the cooked risoni pasta to the skillet and stir until well combined with the vegetables.
Add the chicken or vegetable broth, then boil the mixture. Cook until the broth is mostly absorbed, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the chopped fresh basil.
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the dish sit for 2-3 minutes.
Serve the Healthy Risoni Orzo hot, garnished with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.