Discover a delightful twist on Mediterranean cuisine with our Herbed Orzo with Chickpeas! This vibrant dish combines the nutty flavor of orzo pasta with the hearty goodness of chickpeas, all brought together by a refreshing blend of fresh herbs and a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing side at your next gathering, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into the simple steps to create this delicious dish that will leave your taste buds dancing!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of orzo pasta, 1 can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed), 1/4 cup of fresh dill (chopped), 1/4 cup of fresh parsley (chopped), 1/4 cup of olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium-sized pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and a pinch of salt. Cook the orzo according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- While the orzo is cooking, prepare the chickpeas. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the skillet, and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and slightly golden.
- Once the orzo is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will help keep the orzo from becoming mushy.
- Add the cooked orzo to the skillet with the chickpeas. Stir to combine them evenly.
- Next, add the chopped dill and parsley to the skillet with the orzo and chickpeas. Pour in the remaining olive oil and the lemon juice. Toss everything together gently to ensure the herbs and chickpeas are well distributed throughout the orzo.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as desired, keeping in mind the flavors of the fresh herbs and lemon.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish sit for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the Herbed Orzo with Chickpeas warm or at room temperature. This dish can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish. Garnish with additional fresh herbs or a lemon wedge if desired.
Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Orzo: To achieve the best texture, be sure to cook the orzo until it’s al dente. This will give it a nice bite and prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the other ingredients.
- Herb Freshness: Use fresh herbs whenever possible. The vibrant flavors of dill and parsley truly make this dish shine, so don’t skimp on quality.
- Chickpea Crunch: For an extra layer of flavor, try roasting the chickpeas in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil and your favorite spices before adding them to the orzo. This adds a delightful crunch!
- Flavor Fusion: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after mixing to let the flavors meld together. This resting time enhances the taste, making every bite even more delicious.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for any occasion. Consider pairing it with grilled vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, or olives for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 228kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
