Lemon-Basil Orzo with Parmesan

This recipe rocks the house and makes an excellent side dish.

Food that tastes fresh, new and exciting is so enticing to me and just warms my heart. I had no idea that orzo could be so expensive so I made an executive decision at the grocery story to part ways with orzo and substituted basmati rice instead.

This recipe was so incredibly simple and delightful!

Lemon-Basil Orzo with Parmesan
(Weight Watchers Five Ingredient 15 Minute Cookbook)

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup uncooked orzo
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh lemon rind
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons grated fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• basil sprigs (optional)

Directions:

1. Cook orzo according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain.
2. While orzo cooks, heat oil in a medium non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add lemon rind and garlic, and sauté 1 minute. Remove from heat.
3. Add orzo, chopped basil, and the next 3 ingredients to pan; toss well.  Garnish with basil sprigs, if desired. Serve immediately. 

Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 1/2 cup)

Points Value: 3

---

Review/Modifications:

• I substituted basmati rice for the orzo. Knowing how much our family likes rice, I increased the amount of rice to 1.5 cups and doubled the rest of the recipe. I’m glad I did!
• When boiling the rice, I added four teaspoons of Knorrs Caldo de Pollo (chicken bouillon in the powder form). If I was making this recipe at 3/4 cup of rice/orzo, then I would only add 2 teaspoons of chicken bouillon.
• After the dish was complete, I squeezed 1/2 a lemon for extra juicy, lemony flavor.
• This side dish is one of my new favorites!  We liked it so much that I made it AGAIN the very next day.  Fresh, yummy, and simple.

Tags: basil, basmati rice, lemon, Lisa, orzo, refreshing, Side Dish, Weight Watchers

Category: Side Dish