If you’re a fan of orzo, the small, rice-shaped pasta, you know that it’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of dishes. But what if you don’t have any orzo on hand, or you’re looking to mix things up a bit?
Fortunately, there are plenty of other pasta and grain options that can be used in place of orzo. In this article, we’ll explore 10 delicious substitutes for orzo that you can try in your next recipe.
Criteria for selecting substitutes
Before we dive into the list of substitutes, let’s first discuss the criteria that we used to select them. We wanted to find substitutes that had a similar flavor profile and texture to orzo, as well as ones that were nutritious and easy to cook. Here are the factors we considered when selecting the substitutes:
- Flavor profile: We looked for substitutes that had a mild, slightly nutty flavor that would complement a variety of ingredients and sauces.
- Texture: We wanted substitutes that had a similar shape and texture to orzo, so that they could be used in the same types of recipes.
- Nutritional value: We looked for substitutes that were high in fiber and protein, and that had a low glycemic index.
- Cooking time: We wanted substitutes that cooked quickly and easily, so that they could be used in a variety of recipes.
List of Substitutes for Orzo
Now that we’ve covered our criteria, let’s take a look at the 10 substitutes for orzo that we’ve selected:
- Israeli couscous
- Farro
- Quinoa
- Pearl barley
- Ditalini
- Small shell pasta
- Fregola
- Campanelle
- Acini di pepe
- Rice-shaped lentils
Substitute 1: Israeli couscous
Israeli couscous, also known as pearl couscous, is a small, chewy pasta that’s similar in shape and texture to orzo. It has a mild, nutty flavor and cooks quickly, making it a great substitute for orzo in a variety of dishes. To cook Israeli couscous, bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the couscous, and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until tender.
Substitute 2: Farro
Farro is an ancient grain that has a chewy, nutty flavor and a texture that’s similar to orzo. It’s high in fiber and protein, and has a low glycemic index, making it a nutritious substitute for orzo. To cook farro, rinse it in cold water, add it to a pot with 2 cups of water, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
Substitute 3: Quinoa
Quinoa is a superfood that’s high in protein, fiber, and essential amino acids. It has a mild, nutty flavor and a texture that’s similar to orzo, making it a great substitute in a variety of dishes. To cook quinoa, rinse it in cold water, add it to a pot with 2 cups of water, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until tender.
Substitute 4: Pearl barley
Pearl barley is a nutritious grain that’s high in fiber and protein, and has a mild, nutty flavor. It has a texture that’s similar to orzo, and can be used in a variety of dishes. To cook pearl barley, rinse it in cold water, add it to a pot with 2 cups of water, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
Substitute 5: Ditalini
Ditalini is a small, tubular pasta that’s similar in shape to orzo, but slightly thicker. It has a mild flavor and a texture that’s similar to orzo, making it a great substitute in pasta salads and soups. To cook ditalini, bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
Substitute 6: Small shell pasta
Small shell pasta, as the name suggests, is a small, shell-shaped pasta that can be used in place of orzo in a variety of dishes. It has a mild flavor and a texture that’s similar to orzo, and cooks quickly. To cook small shell pasta, bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
Substitute 7: Fregola
Fregola is a Sardinian pasta that’s similar in shape and texture to Israeli couscous. It has a mild, nutty flavor and a texture that’s slightly chewy, making it a great substitute for orzo in salads and soups. To cook fregola, bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until al dente.
Substitute 8: Campanelle
Campanelle is a pasta that’s shaped like a small, open bell. It has a texture that’s similar to orzo, and can be used in a variety of dishes. It has a mild flavor and a shape that can help to hold sauces and ingredients. To cook campanelle, bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until al dente.
Substitute 9: Acini di pepe
Acini di pepe is a small, round pasta that’s similar in shape to couscous. It has a mild flavor and a texture that’s slightly chewy, making it a great substitute for orzo in salads and soups. To cook acini di pepe, bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
Substitute 10: Rice-shaped lentils
Rice-shaped lentils are a small, lentil-shaped pasta that can be used in place of orzo in a variety of dishes. They have a mild flavor and a texture that’s slightly chewy, making them a great substitute for orzo in salads and soups. To cook rice-shaped lentils, bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
Conclusion
In conclusion, orzo is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of dishes, but if you don’t have any on hand or you’re looking to mix things up a bit, there are plenty of other pasta and grain options that can be used in its place. Whether you choose Israeli couscous, farro, quinoa, pearl barley, ditalini, small shell pasta, fregola, campanelle, acini di pepe, or rice-shaped lentils, you’re sure to create a delicious and nutritious dish that everyone will love. Experiment with different substitutes and find the ones that work best for you and your taste preferences.