1 serving (medium) of Basmati rice pilaf with orzo (150 g) has 233 calories. That works out to 155 calories per 100 g. It contains 45.8 g of carbs, 4.8 g of protein, 3.3 g of fat and 1.7 g of fiber. Its 12 µg of Selenium covers 22% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 60 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.

What is Basmati rice pilaf with orzo?

Basmati rice pilaf with orzo combines long-grain basmati rice with small pasta pieces, cooked together until the rice is fluffy and separate. The orzo is often toasted in a little fat first, giving the dish its characteristic golden flecks. Basmati comes from South Asia, while this pilaf-style combination is familiar in Turkish cooking and has many variations in home kitchens.

Fragrant and mild, it works well alongside grilled meat, vegetables, stews or a simple salad. It can be served as a weeknight side or as part of a larger shared meal. The dish is mainly a carbohydrate-rich accompaniment, with 30.5 g of carbohydrates per 100 g. For a more filling, balanced plate, pair it with beans, yogurt, vegetables or another protein-rich main.

Basmati rice pilaf with orzo Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

155

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

30.5g

· 11% DV

Protein

3.2g

· 6% DV

Fat

2.2g

· 3% DV

Fiber

1.1g

· 4% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 79% · Protein 8% · Fat 13%

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Basmati rice pilaf with orzo Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

1.2mg · 8% DV

0.08mg · 7% DV

0.28mg · 6% DV

0.09mg · 5% DV

Minerals

Selenium

8µg · 15% DV

Phosphorus

38mg · 5% DV

Potassium ⭐

55mg · 2% DV

Manganese

0mg · 0% DV

Copper

0mg · 0% DV

How Nutritious Is Basmati rice pilaf with orzo?

Nutrient density

Medium

35/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

35/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Basmati rice pilaf with orzo Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Medium

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

Medium

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Basmati rice pilaf with orzo

To burn the 155 calories in 100 g:

🚶

38min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

16min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

21min

Cycling

🏊

18min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Basmati rice pilaf with orzo Processed?

NOVA 2

Minimally Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Basmati rice pilaf with orzo Contain Allergens?

No known major allergens

Gluten free

Dairy free

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Basmati rice pilaf with orzo Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

✓ Suitable

Gluten-Free

— Not suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Basmati rice pilaf with orzo Fat Profile

SATURATED

0.4g

MONOUNSATURATED

0.7g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.4g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 32:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (32:1).

Compare Basmati rice pilaf with orzo

🍚vs🍚

Basmati rice pilaf with orzo vs Bulgur Pilaf35 kcal more per 100 g

→🍚vs🍝

Basmati rice pilaf with orzo vs Whole wheat pasta31 kcal more per 100 g

→🍚vs🥖

Basmati rice pilaf with orzo vs Breadstick255 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍚vs🥯

Basmati rice pilaf with orzo vs Simit185 kcal fewer per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to Basmati rice pilaf with orzo

🍚

Bulgur Pilaf

120 kcal

🍝

Whole wheat pasta

124 kcal

🥖

Breadstick

410 kcal

🥯

Simit

340 kcal

🥣

Granola

450 kcal

🍚

Rice Pilaf

150 kcal

🍚

Basmati Rice Pilaf

140 kcal

🍝

Pasta (Boiled)

155 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Basmati rice pilaf with orzo

How do you make basmati rice pilaf with orzo?

Toast the orzo in oil or butter until lightly golden, then stir in rinsed, drained basmati rice. Add hot water or stock, cover and cook gently until tender. Let the pilaf rest off the heat, then fluff the grains before serving.

What is in basmati rice pilaf with orzo?

Basmati rice pilaf with orzo is made with long-grain basmati rice and small pasta pieces called orzo. The rice and pasta are typically toasted in oil or butter before being cooked together in water or stock.

How is basmati rice pilaf with orzo different from plain basmati rice?

Basmati rice pilaf with orzo combines rice with toasted pasta, while plain basmati rice contains only rice and its cooking liquid. Toasting the ingredients first gives the pilaf a nuttier flavour and a more varied texture.

Should you rinse basmati rice for basmati rice pilaf with orzo?

Yes, rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clearer, then drain it well before cooking. Removing some surface starch helps the grains stay separate in the pilaf; soaking the rice is optional rather than essential.

Why does basmati rice pilaf with orzo turn mushy?

Too much liquid, rice that was not drained well, or frequent stirring can make basmati rice pilaf with orzo mushy. Keep the lid on while it cooks, let the finished pilaf rest, and fluff it gently instead of stirring vigorously.

Can you use vermicelli instead of orzo in basmati rice pilaf with orzo?

Yes, vermicelli can replace the orzo, but the texture will be finer and less pasta-like. Break the vermicelli into short pieces and toast it carefully, since thin strands brown faster than orzo.

Can you cook basmati rice pilaf with orzo in a rice cooker?

Yes, you can make basmati rice pilaf with orzo in a rice cooker. Toast the orzo separately in a pan first, then add it with the rinsed rice and the cooker’s usual liquid amount for basmati.

What goes well with basmati rice pilaf with orzo?

Basmati rice pilaf with orzo pairs well with grilled chicken, kebabs, roasted vegetables, or a bean dish. Its toasted pasta and rice make it a filling side, so a fresh salad or yogurt can balance the plate.

How long does basmati rice pilaf with orzo keep in the fridge?

Store basmati rice pilaf with orzo in a covered container in the refrigerator and eat it within a few days. Cool it promptly rather than leaving cooked rice at room temperature, and reheat only the portion you plan to eat.

Can you freeze basmati rice pilaf with orzo?

Yes, basmati rice pilaf with orzo freezes well in airtight, meal-sized portions. Let it cool before freezing, then thaw and reheat until steaming hot; the rice may be slightly softer than when freshly cooked.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 28, 2026