Ingredients and Weight:
- Orzo pasta: 500g (approximately 1 pound)
- Fresh vegetables (mixed): bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, green beans (combined weight of 300g or about 10 oz)
- Extra virgin olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Fresh lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
- Grated lemon zest: 1 teaspoon
- Minced garlic: 2 cloves
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper: a sprinkle
- Fresh basil leaves: for garnish (optional)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 30 minutes
- Total: 50 minutes
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Prepare the vegetables by washing and cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the orzo pasta until tender but still firm to the bite. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for a minute.
- Add the prepared vegetables and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add the cooked orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables.
- Squeeze in the lemon juice and sprinkle with grated lemon zest. Toss gently to combine all flavors.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves (if using) and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 total servings)
Calories: 350kcal, Carbohydrates: 60g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 9g, Fiber: 4g, Sodium: 20mg (without adding salt)
Dish Characteristics:
- A refreshing dish with a citrusy lemon flavor that pairs well with the earthy notes of the vegetables.
- The combination of cooked orzo pasta with fresh vegetables offers a hearty yet light meal option.
- The dish is versatile and can be served as a side dish or a light main course.
User Comments:
- "Love the combination of flavors! The lemon gives it a bright and fresh taste."
- "This dish was a hit with my family. The orzo pasta was cooked to perfection."
- "A great way to use up fresh vegetables from the market."
- "The lemon zest adds a nice citrusy touch to the dish."
- "I served this as a side dish for a dinner party and it was a big hit!"
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients for best results, especially the lemon juice and zest.
- Adjust seasoning according to personal preference, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
- Cooking the pasta to the desired texture is crucial; do not overcook or it will become mushy.
