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Soft creamy orzo with lemon

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creamy-lemon-orzo, side-light

The texture is the main reason this one works when other meals do not.

By cooking the orzo a little longer than the package says it turns soft enough that it does not require real effort to eat. Lemon zest and butter102 kcal keep it interesting while the parmesan110 kcal adds the richness that makes the calories count.

I keep the ingredients simple so the focus stays on how the bowl feels in the mouth rather than on any extra steps.

Why it works

When appetite is low this is the meal that still adds up.

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Soft creamy orzo with lemon

Prep
5 min
Cook
20 min
Serves
2
Per serving
+530

Ingredients

  • 1 cup orzo
  • 2 cups chicken209 kcal broth
  • 1 lemon, zest and a squeeze of juice
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan

Method

  1. Put the orzo, broth, lemon zest and butter in a medium pot.
  2. Bring to a simmer and cook gently for 15-18 minutes, stirring now and then, until the orzo is very soft and the mixture is creamy.
  3. Stir in the parmesan and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth.

Make it your own

  • Make a larger batch so the easy meal is ready for a couple of days.
  • A few toasted pine nuts on top add crunch without extra work.
  • Serve in a small bowl so it does not look overwhelming.

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