Orzo pilaf with tomato Calories

Orzo pilaf with tomato is made with pasta. Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta usually made from wheat, so it looks like rice but cooks and tastes like pasta.

To make orzo pilaf with tomato, briefly toast the orzo in a little oil, stir in grated tomato or tomato paste, then add hot water or stock and cook until tender. Let it rest covered off the heat so the liquid settles and the grains finish steaming.

Orzo pilaf with tomato turns mushy when it absorbs too much liquid or cooks for too long. Tomatoes release extra moisture as they cook, so add liquid carefully and stop cooking as soon as the orzo is tender.

Toasting the orzo briefly before adding the tomato and liquid is a common way to make orzo pilaf with tomato. It adds a lightly nutty flavor and can help the pasta keep its shape; stir constantly so it does not burn.

Yes, fresh tomatoes work in orzo pilaf with tomato. Grate or finely chop them so they cook down evenly; because fresh tomatoes contain more water and taste less concentrated, the finished pilaf may be softer and milder than one made with paste.

Orzo pilaf with tomato goes well with grilled chicken, meatballs, fish, or roasted vegetables. For a simple meal, serve it with a crisp salad or plain yogurt; these sides balance the dish’s soft texture and savory tomato flavor.

Orzo pilaf with tomato keeps for about three days in a covered container in the refrigerator. Reheat it until steaming hot, adding a splash of water if the orzo has dried out, and avoid leaving cooked leftovers at room temperature for long.

Yes, you can freeze orzo pilaf with tomato, although the pasta may be softer after thawing. Freeze it in meal-sized airtight portions, thaw it in the refrigerator, and reheat with a little water while stirring.

Yes, orzo pilaf with tomato can be made without tomato paste by using grated or finely chopped fresh tomatoes instead. Cook the tomatoes down before adding the liquid; this helps concentrate their flavor and prevents the pilaf from becoming too watery.