Orzo with Thyme and Lemon Zest

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I wanted to punch up my grilled porkchops in a strawberry glazed over orzo recipe a bit, and I was eager to try a new recipe from Melissa. I heard so much about her from the Next Food Network Star and her Ten Dollar Dinners look great!

Plus, I had some home-grown thyme so I thought this was the perfect opportunity. I made this for my family who like my cooking, but this time, my dad claims "The orzo was perfect. Keep this recipe." It will definitely be a keeper, from Melissa's recipe book to my recipe book. Thank you! :-

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Even though I don't like the show, this recipe was okay. One WARNING: if you use dried thyme use a lot less! I used a little much, but I liked it. I also added a little hot sauce to give it more flavor and a cup of frozen peas. Also, THE COOKING TIME IS WRONG!! It takes much longer to simmer all the water out than what she says! You can make this many ways and call it your own.

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Made this last night after having read the reviews. Here is how we made it:

Put several tablespoons of butter and the rice in a saucepan. After about a minute, add the chopped garlic. Cook the mixture on medium heat until rice is lightly browned. Add 2C of chicken broth very gradually. After cooking is complete, add the lemon zest and basil (we have it growing in our yard, but didn't have thyme. It really was terrific!

Only downside is that it requires some stirring, and if you're trying to do this AND cook the salmon cakes, I'd advise asking for help from significant other. :

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We at first had some trouble getting the orzo to absorb the liquid, but after we turned up the heat a bit (we have an electric stove, and waited a few minutes longer... it turned out perfectly. Great consistency, AMAZING flavor (the lemon combined with the red pepper flakes is a great combo, and an easy meal to make for the family.

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as everyone else said way too much liquid. I followed everything else exactly except I used 2 cups of chicken stock, also, I added parm cheese because I remembered her adding it on TV. I did have to simmer it for a while if it was not for the liquid issue I would have given this recipe 5 stars.

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It was seriously lacking flavor. Could also have used some fat to coat and toast the grains a bit. To me it tasted very plain.

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The Orzo with Thyme and Lemon Zest was wonderful. It was a recipe that was easily remembered. My family loved it. I served it with fesh salmon. Nice to have something other than rice to serve with the salmon.
Keep up the good work Melissa!

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This was the first time I've even used orsa - but was anxious to add this new dish along with the Salmon Cakes. I did have to drain some liquid from the orzo, but all in all - This was a great dish. I'll be using orzo more often! How about some more orzo receipes Melissa?

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It is interesting how different comments are about this recipe.
Me and my husband: loved it. However, I did make a couple of changes and I suggest you try it .

I substituted rice (the regular one, NOT the 5 minutes cooking one instead of orzo. Furthermore, it is NOT a good idea to throw all that chicken broth all in once. The way I have learned to cook rice correctly in my country -- Im a 100% born and raised Italian -- is to zimmer with a little olive oil and garllic in this case. Low heat so the garlic doesnt burn. Then add the uncooked rice. Now, pour chicken broth A LITTLE BIT AT A TIME. NOT ALL IN ONCE. Keep stirring. Then when you don't see anymore liquid, then add a little bit more and a little more until you have the consistency of the rice that you like. Some like the grain softer, some " al dente". In this case, you have the perfect rice that you like and none of this "liquid drowned rice" that many of you have written about this recipe.

I have always cooked rice in ths way and never had any problems of overcooking it or being too liquid. If you try this way, I promise you that the results will be much better.

Good Luck !

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I didn't have any problems with the amount of liquid, but mine did sit longer while I finished everything else. It was the first time I got to use the thyme from my herb garden. My family loved it.