TOASTED ORZO WITH SAFFRON AND FENNEL

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Toasted Orzo with Saffron and Fennel image

Provided by Melissa Roberts

Categories     Side     Vegetarian     Quick & Easy     Dinner     Saffron     Fennel     Healthy     Simmer     Gourmet     Sugar Conscious     Vegan     Pescatarian     Dairy Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield Makes 4 to 6 (side dish) servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

1/4 teaspoon crumbled saffron threads
1 tablespoon boiling-hot water plus 2 cups water, divided
1/2 cup chopped red onion
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 /2 cups orzo (9 ounces)
1 cup chopped fennel (from 1 small bulb) plus 2 tablespoons chopped fronds

Steps:

  • Soften saffron in 1 tablespoon hot water and set aside.
  • Cook onion in oil in a 3-quart heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 6 minutes. Add orzo and toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant, 2 to 4 minutes.
  • Stir in saffron mixture, remaining 2 cups water, and 1 teaspoon salt and simmer, covered, until orzo is just tender and liquid is absorbed, about 12 minutes.
  • Sprinkle fennel bulb over orzo and let stand, covered, off heat 5 minutes. Stir fennel bulb into orzo, then serve sprinkled with fennel fronds.

Jarisk Johnson
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Overall, this is a great recipe that I would highly recommend.


Ranz Javier
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This dish is a great way to get a healthy and flavorful meal on the table quickly.


Ganesh Subedi
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I've never had toasted orzo before, but I really enjoyed it. It's a great alternative to pasta or rice.


Parker Black
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This dish is a great way to use up leftover rice.


Osarumwense Love
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I'm not a vegetarian, but I really enjoyed this dish. It's a great way to get a healthy and flavorful meal without meat.


Rivoningo Phakula
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This recipe is a great way to get your kids to eat vegetables. The saffron and fennel add a lot of flavor, so they won't even notice the veggies.


Abdullah Al Kafi
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I love that this dish is so versatile. You can add different vegetables, proteins, or spices to change up the flavor.


Benjamin Bryant
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This dish is perfect for a potluck or party. It's easy to make ahead of time and it travels well.


Mahogany Domingue
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I've made this dish several times and it's always a hit. It's a great recipe to have in your back pocket.


Arnaldo Mangini
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This dish is a great way to impress your guests. It's easy to make, but it looks and tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant.


Mirkhan liskani
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I love the combination of saffron and fennel. They're both such flavorful spices.


Edeka Enyinda
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I added some grilled chicken to this dish and it was delicious. It's a great way to get a complete meal in one pot.


Bissojit Shaha
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This recipe is a great way to use up leftover orzo.


Imtiaz Ali
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I'm not a huge fan of fennel, but I really enjoyed this dish. The saffron and toasted orzo balanced out the fennel flavor perfectly.


Taiwo Fatade Aiyedun
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This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal. It's quick and easy to make, and it's also very flavorful.


Bianca Is a MaTiRiAl gUrL
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I wasn't sure how the fennel would taste, but it was actually really good. It added a nice anise flavor to the dish.


Rowena Bartonico
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The saffron added a beautiful golden color to the dish. It was also very flavorful.


Jeanette Marin
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I've never cooked with orzo before, but this recipe made it so easy. The dish turned out great and my family loved it.


jhanbir shtha
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This dish was a delightful surprise! The toasted orzo had a nutty flavor that paired perfectly with the saffron and fennel. It was easy to make and the ingredients were easy to find.