Description
This Lemony Spiced Orzo and Chickpeas recipe is a flavorful Mediterranean dish that combines orzo pasta with seasoned chickpeas, fresh lemon, and herbs. It’s a light and satisfying vegetarian option perfect as a side or main dish.
Ingredients
Orzo:
8 ounces orzo pasta
Chickpeas:
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
Seasonings:
1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Lemon:
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon), 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Herbs:
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Seasoning:
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Extra:
Extra lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook Orzo: Cook the orzo according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in chickpeas, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and red pepper flakes. Cook until chickpeas are warmed through.
- Combine: Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and toss well. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature with extra lemon wedges.
Notes
- Top with crumbled feta or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
- Great as a side or light main dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
