Quick and Easy Orzo Pilaf

This Orzo Pilaf is smooth, bright, and flavourful with crunchy cashews, caramelized onions and tart dried cranberries. Best yet it is easy and can be ready in 15 minutes!

My first introduction to Pilaf was my Mother in Law’s Biryani. My Mother in Law was a wonderful cook, and her Biryani was no exception. Fluffy golden rice topped with fried cashews, caramelized onions, and dried cranberries make for a complex and delicious bite.

Rice pilaf is hearty, flavourful and satisfying. It checks many of the same boxes as a delicious pasta dish and goes beautifully with seafood, chicken, and beef. It also makes an amazing vegetarian meal when served alongside grilled or sauteed veggies. For this dish I was inspired by my Mother in Law’s cooking, but decided to switch it up and use orzo pasta instead.

This Orzo Pilaf is everything you want from a pilaf. It’s smooth, bright, and flavourful. Chicken stock creates a beautiful flavour base, while the saffron adds an earthy complexity that complimented by the creamy orzo. Although this dish is delicious right out of the pot, what makes it truly spectacular is the toppings: crunchy cashews, caramelized onions, and tart dried cranberries all sauteed in flavourful extra virgin olive oil. This Orzo Pilaf a delicious meal on it’s own, and is perfect served as a side to meat or seafood of your choice. I promise that once you try this recipe it will change the way you think about orzo! Best of all, this delicious meal can be on your table in 15 minutes!

TOTAL TIME

• Preparation Time – 2 minutes
• Cooking Time – 13 minutes
• Total Time – 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS FOR ORZO PILAF

All the ingredients for this pilaf are easy to source from any local grocer.

• 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 medium Red Onion
• 2 cups Orzo Pasta
• 3/4 cup Cashews
• 1/4 cup Dried Cranberries
• 1/3 tsp Kosher Salt
• 1 large pinch Saffron
• 6 cups Chicken Broth, preferably homemade

WHAT IS A PILAF?

Pilaf is a grain dish (usually rice) that is cooked in broth or stock. Often the rice or toppings are toasted in a fat adding further flavour to the dish.

WHAT IS SAFFRON?

Saffron is a spice harvested from the stamen of the Saffron Crocus. It is harvested by hand in the fall when the flower blooms. It adds an amazing depth to this dish. More information about this beautiful spice can be found here.

WHAT IS ORZO PASTA?

Although orzo looks like rice, it is actually pasta. Orzo means barley in Italian: named such because it resembles the grain. Orzo’s small size makes it ideal for dishes cooked with broth, gravy, or even in soup.

CAN I MAKE THIS VEGETARIAN?

You can absolutely make this dish vegetarian. Simply use vegetable stock in place of chicken broth in a one to one substitution. As long as you use a flavourful broth, the results will still be delicious.

INGREDIENT SUBSTITUTIONS

CAN I USE A DIFFERENT KIND OF PASTA?

The beauty of using orzo in this dish is that it mimics the mouthfeel of rice, while maintaining the al dente texture of pasta.

CAN I USE RAISINS INSTEAD OF DRIED CRANBERRIES?

If you’d like, you can use raisins, but they will not have the delicious tartness imparted from dried cranberries.

IS THERE A SUBSTITUTE FOR SAFFRON?

Saffron has a unique rich earthy flavour that simply can’t be replicated. Some people substitute Turmeric in place of Saffron in curries, but while it has an earthy flavour it’s not quite the same.

CAN I USE A DIFFERENT KIND OF NUT?

I used cashews as a nod to my Mother in Law’s Biryani, but you could also use pistachios, pecans, or sliced almonds. I suggest sliced almonds because they are harder. Keep in mind you want some crunch in your Pilaf, but you don’t want to chip a tooth while eating it.

CAN I USE RICE INSTEAD OF ORZO PASTA?

You could certainly use rice instead of orzo, simply keep in mind the different cooking method (covered pot) and timeline.

CAN I SUBSTITUTE A DIFFERENT SPICE FOR SAFFRON?

Some people believe that Turmeric can be substituted for Saffron as it will add a similar yellow colour to your rice. Turmeric will colour your rice like Saffron, but it will not add the earthy bitterness imparted by this beautiful spice. Don’t use a substitution.

EQUIPMENT FOR ORZO PILAF

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Below is a list of the main equipment/kitchen tools needed to make Orzo Pilaf:

• Small Pot

• Chef’s Knife

• Cutting Board

• Mortar and Pestle

• Small Pan

COOKING DIRECTIONS

If you follow a few simple rules, this amazing Orzo Pilaf will turn out perfectly the first time!

1. Keep an eye on your cashews to ensure they don’t burn.
2. Take the time to caramelize your onions.
3. Use real saffron in your pilaf.

MAKE AHEAD STORAGE

You can pre slice your onions in advance if you wish.

You can refrigerate and keep this delicious dish for up to four days. It will reheat well, just drizzle a bit of olive oil on it first.

FINISHED DISH

Enjoy your Quick and Easy Orzo Pilaf!

OTHER DISHES WITH ORZO

Delicious and Quick Orzo Carbonara

Chicken and Bacon Orzo with Mushrooms

Orzo Pesto with Sausage

OTHER SIDE DISHES

Instant Pot Lemon Saffron Risotto

Roasted Garlic Smash Potatoes

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

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