Orzo With Pine Nuts And Basil
Orzo with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil offers a delightful blend of nutty, herbaceous flavors, perfect for a quick, satisfying vegetarian meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil.
- Add orzo to the boiling water and cook until tender, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Drain the cooked orzo thoroughly.
- Place pine nuts in a large dry skillet and cook, stirring, over medium heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Mix the toasted pine nuts with the cooked orzo in a bowl; season with salt and freshly ground pepper, then toss with olive oil.
- Just before serving, finely chop basil leaves and fold into the orzo mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider toasting the orzo in the skillet before boiling it. If you don't have pine nuts, walnuts or slivered almonds can serve as a great substitute. Fresh basil is key, but in a pinch, you can use dried basil, though the flavor will be less intense. This dish can be made ahead and served at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics or potlucks.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this orzo dish as a light main course or as a side alongside grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Olive Salad or Tahini Dip. For a complete meal, add a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables like Broccoli With Ripe Olive Sauce to round out the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, you can warm it gently in a skillet over low heat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orzo With Pine Nuts And Basil contains roughly 47 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 874mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like couscous or ditalini. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly. However, orzo adds a unique texture that complements the pine nuts and basil beautifully.
How can I make this dish vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly, but to enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.
What can I add for protein?
To boost the protein content, consider adding cooked chickpeas or grilled shrimp. Both options pair well with the flavors of the dish. For a vegetarian option, you can also mix in some crumbled feta cheese before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).