Best 2 Greek Orzo Bake Recipes

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In the realm of culinary delights, few dishes can rival the allure of a perfectly crafted Greek orzo bake. This delectable casserole, with its medley of flavors and textures, is a symphony of Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you are a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, this guide will help you navigate the world of Greek orzo bakes, providing you with insights into the ingredients, techniques, and variations that make this dish so captivating. Let us embark on a journey of taste and discovery as we explore the secrets of creating an unforgettable Greek orzo bake.

Let's cook with our recipes!

YOUVETSI (TRADITIONAL GREEK ORZO BAKE)



Youvetsi (Traditional Greek Orzo Bake) image

If you are looking for an authentic dish from Greece, this recipe is for you! I grew up eating this, one of my favorite meals! It's usually made with veal or lamb stew meat but my family has always used chicken, which is delicious! You can use whichever you prefer! Either way this baked orzo dish will melt in your mouth! It may sound like a lot of work, but the preparation is very little! The majority of it is cooking time!

Provided by STEFADOURAKI

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Greek

Time 2h30m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 9

½ cup olive oil
3 pounds cubed lamb stew meat
1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, pureed in a food processor
4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
½ teaspoon white sugar
salt and pepper to taste
½ cup butter
1 pound uncooked orzo pasta
3 cups hot water

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat; cook meat until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Add pureed tomatoes, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat and add the orzo. Saute until slightly brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer orzo to a baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Remove meat from the saucepan and place on top of the orzo. Pour tomato sauce evenly over meat. Add hot water. Cover with aluminum foil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until all water is absorbed and orzo is soft, about 1 hour. If the dish becomes too dry, add more water during baking.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 575.6 calories, Carbohydrate 37.6 g, Cholesterol 109.8 mg, Fat 35.2 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 27.3 g, SaturatedFat 14.6 g, Sodium 234.8 mg, Sugar 4 g

GREEK ORZO BAKE



Greek Orzo Bake image

I whipped this up one day to compliment some Greek BBQ chicken legs. This recipe is great warm or cold. It's also versatile, so you can add to it whatever suits your taste.

Provided by Cookin in NJ

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 30m

Yield 1 cup, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup orzo pasta (1/2 lb)
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled (I used reduced fat and it was just fine)
6 kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
2 vine ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup onion, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325.
  • Cook Orzo until al dente.
  • While the orzo is cooking, sauté onion and garlic until softened.
  • Stir in tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  • Turn off heat.
  • Add the olives, oregano and basil to the pan and mix well.
  • Add the drained orzo, crumbled feta cheese, olive oil and stir.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste (keep in mind the olives are pretty salty, so you don't need to add much).
  • Transfer to an oven-proof covered baking dish and bake in the oven for 15 minutes.
  • Remove, serve and enjoy!

Tips:

  • Use a good quality orzo pasta. This will make a big difference in the final dish.
  • Cook the orzo according to the package directions. Be sure to drain it well before adding it to the casserole dish.
  • Don't overcook the vegetables. They should be tender but still have a little bit of crunch.
  • Use a flavorful cheese. Feta is a classic choice, but you could also use Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar.
  • Add some fresh herbs for extra flavor. Oregano, basil, and thyme are all good choices.
  • Serve the casserole hot or cold. It's delicious either way.

Conclusion:

Greek orzo bake is a flavorful and versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try.

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