Lemon Orzo Dish

Ingredients and Weight:

• Orzo pasta (rice-shaped pasta): 500 grams
• Fresh lemon juice: 60 ml
• Grated lemon zest: 1 tablespoon
• Minced garlic: 2 cloves
• Extra virgin olive oil: 4 tablespoons
• Salted butter: 3 tablespoons
• Freshly ground black pepper: 1 teaspoon
• Fresh basil leaves: handful, chopped
• White wine: 100 ml (optional)
• Chicken broth or vegetable broth: 500 ml
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the orzo pasta until tender but still firm to the bite.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat up the olive oil and butter in a saucepan.
3. Add the minced garlic and lemon zest, and cook until fragrant.
4. Pour in the lemon juice and white wine (if using) and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes.
5. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the saucepan with the lemon mixture. Toss to combine.
6. Pour in the chicken broth or vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes.
7. Adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed. Stir in the chopped basil leaves.
8. Serve immediately in a serving dish and enjoy!

Nutritional Information: (per serving)

• Calories: Approx. 400-500 calories per serving (depending on the amount of oil and butter used)
• Fat: 18-22 grams
• Carbohydrates: 60-70 grams
• Protein: 8-10 grams
• Fiber: Approx. 3 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• The dish is creamy and rich in flavor, with a citrusy lemon tang.
• The orzo pasta is cooked to perfection, with a slight bite to it.
• The dish is hearty and filling, yet light and refreshing at the same time.

User Comments:

• "Love the combination of lemon and pasta! The dish was very refreshing."
• "The lemon flavor was perfect, not too strong and not too mild."
• "The basil added a nice touch to the dish, making it even more flavorful."
• "The pasta was cooked to perfection, not too soft and not too hard."
• "A great dish for a hot summer day!"

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh lemon juice for best results. Bottled lemon juice may be used as a substitute but will affect the flavor slightly.
• Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest according to your preference for lemon flavor.
• Make sure to season the dish well with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.