Toasted Orzo with Saffron and Fennel

Dairy Free
Health score
24%
Toasted Orzo with Saffron and Fennel
35 min.
4
313kcal

Suggestions


Indulge your senses with this delightful dish of Toasted Orzo with Saffron and Fennel—a truly captivating combination of flavors and textures that is sure to elevate your dining experience. This versatile recipe serves as a perfect side dish, antipasti, or even a light snack, making it an excellent addition to any meal or occasion.

The star of this dish is the nutty orzo, beautifully toasted to enhance its rich flavor. With the aromatic infusion of saffron and the refreshing crunch of fennel, each bite is a celebration of culinary artistry. The method of sautéing the red onion until golden brown infuses the orzo with a sweet depth that beautifully complements the fragrant spices.

This dairy-free recipe is not just delicious but also a healthy option, boasting only 313 calories per serving, making it suitable for those mindful of their diet. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s the ideal choice for busy weeknights or as a stunning addition to festive gatherings. Whether you serve it as an elegant starter or a satisfying side, this Toasted Orzo with Saffron and Fennel is bound to impress your guests and leave them craving more. Let your culinary adventure begin!

Ingredients

  • cup fennel bulb chopped (from 1 small bulb)
  • tablespoons olive oil 
  • ounces orzo pasta 
  • 0.5 cup onion red chopped
  • 0.3 teaspoon saffron threads crumbled
  • tablespoon water divided

Equipment

  • sauce pan

Directions

  1. Soften saffron in 1 tablespoon hot water and set aside.
  2. Cook onion in oil in a 3-quart heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 6 minutes.
  3. Add orzo and toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant, 2 to 4 minutes.
  4. Stir in saffron mixture, remaining 2 cups water, and 1 teaspoon salt and simmer, covered, until orzo is just tender and liquid is absorbed, about 12 minutes.
  5. Sprinkle fennel bulb over orzo and let stand, covered, off heat 5 minutes. Stir fennel bulb into orzo, then serve sprinkled with fennel fronds.

Nutrition Facts

Calories313kcal
Protein11.3%
Fat23.17%
Carbs65.53%

Properties

Glycemic Index
46
Glycemic Load
19.97
Inflammation Score
-3
Nutrition Score
9.533043584098%

Flavonoids

Eriodictyol
0.23mg
Apigenin
0.01mg
Luteolin
0.01mg
Isorhamnetin
1mg
Kaempferol
0.14mg
Myricetin
0.01mg
Quercetin
4.11mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:313.29kcal
15.66%
Fat:8.03g
12.35%
Saturated Fat:1.17g
7.32%
Carbohydrates:51.09g
17.03%
Net Carbohydrates:48.03g
17.47%
Sugar:3.41g
3.78%
Cholesterol:0mg
0%
Sodium:16.27mg
0.71%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:8.81g
17.62%
Selenium:40.57µg
57.95%
Manganese:0.65mg
32.7%
Vitamin K:18.02µg
17.16%
Phosphorus:137.25mg
13.72%
Fiber:3.06g
12.22%
Copper:0.21mg
10.36%
Magnesium:39.56mg
9.89%
Vitamin E:1.21mg
8.06%
Potassium:261.67mg
7.48%
Zinc:0.98mg
6.52%
Vitamin B6:0.12mg
6.24%
Vitamin B3:1.25mg
6.23%
Iron:1.07mg
5.94%
Folate:21.16µg
5.29%
Vitamin C:4.1mg
4.96%
Vitamin B1:0.07mg
4.59%
Vitamin B5:0.35mg
3.5%
Vitamin B2:0.05mg
2.98%
Calcium:28.84mg
2.88%
Source:Epicurious