Orzo with Spinach and Pine Nuts

Orzo with Spinach and Pine Nuts Recipe from Oman | Vegetarian Food

Region / culture: Oman | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Orzo with Spinach and Pine Nuts is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of fresh spinach, toasted pine nuts, and tangy tomatoes with tender orzo pasta. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special occasion dinner.

History

Orzo is a type of pasta that is shaped like rice grains, and it is commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. The combination of spinach, pine nuts, and tomatoes in this dish is a classic flavor profile that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

3 tbsp olive oil
2 large bunches spinach -- stems removed and washed well, coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper
0.25 cup pine nuts
3 garlic cloves -- minced
3 roma tomatoes -- cored, seeded, and diced
2 cups orzo pasta
0.25 cup grated anejo or romano cheese

How to prepare

Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large skillet over high heat. In batches, add spinach with water clinging to leaves. Stir for 2 minutes, until wilted and tender.
Stir in a pinch of salt and pepper; drain in a colander set over a bowl. When the spinach is cool enough to handle, press down to extract the liquid. Coarsely chop the spinach, reserving the juice.
Wipe out the pan and add the remaining oil. Over medium heat, sauté the pine nuts until lightly golden. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes, until the aroma is released.
Stir in tomatoes and spinach, adjust the seasonings, and cook for 1 minute more. Remove from heat and set aside. Cook the orzo according to the package directions.
Drain the orzo and add it to the spinach mixture along with the reserved spinach juice. Toss to combine, reheat if necessary, sprinkle with cheese, and serve.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Substitute other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard for the spinach.
Use different types of nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, in place of pine nuts.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to thoroughly drain the spinach after wilting it to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.

- Toasting the pine nuts before adding them to the dish will enhance their nutty flavor.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or cheese as desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Orzo with Spinach and Pine Nuts as a main dish with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Wilting the spinach in batches helps to prevent overcrowding in the pan and ensures even cooking.

- Toasting the pine nuts before adding them to the dish enhances their flavor and crunch.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of pasta in place of orzo, such as penne or fusilli.

- Substitute feta or Parmesan cheese for the anejo cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Orzo with Spinach and Pine Nuts with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red wine like Pinot Noir.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Orzo with Spinach and Pine Nuts contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

One serving of Orzo with Spinach and Pine Nuts contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

One serving of Orzo with Spinach and Pine Nuts contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

One serving of Orzo with Spinach and Pine Nuts contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins A and C from the spinach and tomatoes, as well as minerals like iron and magnesium from the pine nuts.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and dairy in the form of pine nuts and cheese, so it may not be suitable for those with nut or dairy allergies.

Summary

Orzo with Spinach and Pine Nuts is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Orzo with Spinach and Pine Nuts is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the combination of tender pasta, fresh spinach, toasted pine nuts, and tangy tomatoes in this delicious recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Sarah for lunch. She had prepared a delicious orzo dish with spinach and pine nuts that was simply divine. As soon as I took the first bite, I knew I had to get my hands on the recipe.

Sarah had learned the recipe from her Italian grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. The flavors were so fresh and vibrant, with the nuttiness of the pine nuts perfectly complementing the earthy spinach and the chewy orzo pasta. I begged Sarah to share the recipe with me, and she kindly obliged.

I took the recipe home with me and immediately set to work in my own kitchen. I gathered all the ingredients I needed - orzo pasta, fresh spinach, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and a handful of herbs and spices. As I chopped and sautéed, the fragrant aroma filled my kitchen, transporting me back to that sunny afternoon at Sarah’s house.

The orzo cooked up beautifully, plumping up in the boiling water until it was perfectly al dente. I added in the sautéed spinach and pine nuts, tossing everything together with a generous drizzle of olive oil. The final touch was a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, which brightened up the dish and brought all the flavors together.

As I took my first bite of the finished dish, I was transported back to that summer day with Sarah. The flavors were just as delicious as I remembered, and I knew I had found a new favorite recipe to add to my repertoire. I made the orzo with spinach and pine nuts for my family that evening, and they couldn’t get enough of it.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, tweaking and perfecting the recipe to suit my own tastes. Sometimes I add in a handful of cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. No matter how I choose to make it, the orzo with spinach and pine nuts always brings a smile to my face and a warmth to my heart.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing it on just as Sarah’s grandmother passed it on to her. Each time I make it, I think of the generations of women who have lovingly prepared this dish, each putting their own unique spin on it. I am proud to be a part of that tradition, carrying on the legacy of this simple yet delicious recipe.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that first taste of orzo with spinach and pine nuts, I am filled with gratitude for the joy that cooking has brought into my life. It is more than just a way to nourish my body - it is a way to connect with others, to pass on traditions, and to create lasting memories. And for that, I am truly thankful.