Orzo (pasta)

Orzo (also known as risoni) is a form of short-cut pasta, shaped like a large grain of rice. Orzo can be served alone; as a soup base; as part of a salad, pilaf, or bake; or as a dessert. Despite its rice shape, orzo is made not of rice but of hard wheat semolina.

History

Orzo is a product of Italy, and its name means "barley" in Italian, due to its resemblance to the grain. The pasta is traditionally made from wheat semolina, a coarse flour made from durum wheat.

Production

Orzo pasta is made by mixing semolina flour with water to form a dough. The dough is then extruded through a die to create the rice-like shape. The pasta is then dried before it is packaged and sold.

Culinary Uses

Orzo can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be boiled and served alone, used as a base in soups, or mixed with vegetables and served as a side dish. It can also be used in pilafs, salads, and bakes. In desserts, orzo is often sweetened and mixed with milk.

Nutritional Value

Orzo is a good source of carbohydrates and is high in protein due to its wheat content. It is low in fat and cholesterol, making it a healthy choice for those watching their diet.

See Also

• Pasta
• Rice
• Semolina
• Italian cuisine