Here’s a dish you can prepare with your Instant Pot as a main course or as a side dish...Lemon Orzo with Peas!
The first time I prepared this, it became such a great hit that my kids wanted this in their lunch boxes too.
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That, for me, is a big compliment, and I had to oblige. But I tried it with the Instant Pot the second time, and that was even better and inspired me to share this lovely recipe with my readers.
With simple ingredients and an even simpler procedure, this recipe will be a welcome option for a weekday meal.
I like to have it as a main course, but given how light it is on your appetite, it can also act as a side for a larger meal you plan.
With its chewy texture, Orzo grains taste the best when you infuse a lot of flavors around every grain.
For this recipe, I used mint leaves and thyme along with the flavor of lemon, which turned out very well.
It is also important when you add the flavors. I added them when I sauteed the Orzo grains to extract the most flavors from mint and thyme.
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What is Orzo?
I had the same question years ago when I first tasted this at a friend’s place. It looks strikingly similar to rice in its looks, but yet it is just pasta made from white flour or sometimes even whole grains.
There are several ways to prepare Orzo such as soup, casserole, pilaf, or salad. Soup and salad are my favorite ways to cook them and today we look at how to prepare a simple, down-to-earth salad with peas and a hint of lemon.
Ingredients note
- Orzo: I bought this from sprouts and used Durum wheat orzo. If you have gluten sensitivities, then you can use a gluten-free orzo.
- Lemon: I used the lemon juice from one lemon and zested lemon for this recipe
- Peas: You can either use frozen or fresh green peas. I used frozen because it is more convenient.
- Olive oil: You can use any cooking oil of your choice
- Garlic: I used two garlic cloves, but you can adjust this to your liking. Or use dried minced garlic.
- Herbs: I used dried thyme and fresh mint leaves.
How to make this recipe
To begin with, you have to press the ‘saute’ button and add olive oil to the inner pot. As the oil heats up, saute garlic until it turns slightly golden.
Then add orzo and saute for 30 seconds or so and make sure it doesn't burn.
Proceed with adding the rest of the ingredients (thyme, mint leaves, and frozen peas) except the lemon zest and lemon juice and stir well.
Add water or vegetable broth and salt.
Stir well. After the sauteing is complete, it is time to start the pressure cooking process. Close the lid on the pot, and turn the valve from VENTING to SEALING position.
Set the pot to MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK (High Pressure) and set the timer to 4 minutes.
After 5 mins under pressure, use the quick release option before opening the instant pot lid. Add lemon zest and lemon juice stir nicely then serve warm or cold.
I hope you will share my excitement about this new style of pasta salad. Try it today and if you like it, please rate or comment below.
Expert tips
- Saute them in olive oil before starting to boil them.
- Add the spices and condiments like mint leaves, thyme, and even garlic when you saute.
- Pour in vegetable broth or water.
- Add frozen peas and start the cooking process with the Instant Pot.
- In the end, add lemon zest, lemon juice, and basil leaves.
Is Orzo gluten-free?
Since Orzo is a type of pasta, it is generally not gluten-free. It is made with wheat flour and semolina flour. But there are special gluten-free options available, but I have not tried them as of yet.
If you follow a strict gluten-free diet, please ensure you find the gluten-free version.
The shelf life
If you have leftovers from this recipe, you have nothing to worry about….The leftover Lemon Orzo can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
So if you are the type to plan all your meals for the week ahead of time, this will be a good option as you can prepare well ahead of time and claim your weekdays back!
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📖 Recipe
Lemon Orzo With Peas (Instant Pot)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups orzo
- 3 ½ cups of water
- 2 garlic cloves chopped - or ¾ teaspoon dried minced garlic
- 2 teaspoon chopped mint leaves
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 teaspoon olive oil
- 3 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper - optional
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Press the ‘saute’ button on the Instant Pot and add olive oil to the inner pot.3 teaspoon olive oil
- Saute garlic until it turns slightly golden. Then add the Orzo pasta and saute just for 30 seconds to make sure it doesn't burn.2 garlic cloves chopped, 2 cups orzo
- Add chopped mint leaves, dried thyme, black pepper, and frozen peas and give a nice stir.2 teaspoon chopped mint leaves, 1 cup frozen peas, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon black pepper, Salt to taste
- Add water or vegetable broth and salt. Stir well.3 ½ cups of water
- Press ‘cancel’ on the Instant Pot and close the lid. Turn the valve from VENTING to the SEALING position.
- Set the pot to MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK (High Pressure) and set the timer to 4 minutes.
- After 5 mins(in a warm setting), use the quick release option and open the instant pot lid when the silver button on the lid drops.
- Add lemon zest, juice and stir well to get an even mix.3 teaspoon lemon zest, 2 teaspoon lemon juice
- Lemon Orzo is ready! Serve warm paired with breadsticks for a sumptuous meal!
Process Shot
Check above for step-by-step pictures (most of my recipes include pictures)
Video
Notes
- Saute them in olive oil before starting to boil them.
- Add the spices and condiments like mint leaves, thyme, and even garlic when you saute.
- Pour in vegetable broth or water.
- Add frozen peas and start the cooking process with the Instant Pot.
- In the end, add lemon zest, lemon juice, and basil leaves.
YOUR OWN NOTES
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation only.
Cheryl
This did not have any flavor. I could not find how much garlic so I guessed at 1 tsp. And something happened with the proportions, I followed the recipe and it was soupy
Uma Raghupathi
Sorry to hear this Cheryl. I Made this recipe more than 10 times, came out delicious every time. Many readers said it was good as well. sorry, I forgot to write the garlic amount. You need 3 garlic cloves.
Karen
I love orzo and this dish looks delicious, do you think this would also work with brown rice.
Uma Raghupathi
Thank you Karen! Yes this will work with rice as well!
Ayleash
how much garlic?? you don't say!
Uma Raghupathi
Oh thank you for letting me know that Ayleash! 2 garlic cloves chopped. I will update soon 🙂
Sophie
I love orzo because of its texture and lemony flavor sounds amazing. Thanks for this recipe.
Connie
I've heard great things about Instant Pots but this recipe is definitely the highlight. Love the flavors of this recipe and cant't wait to make it!
Jacqui DeBono
I am new to having an Instant Pot and I am still amazed by all the wonderful things I can do with it! It is so good for making rice and rice dishes.
Uma Raghupathi
Thank you 😊 hope you will make this recipe.
Liz
Question: you indicate to cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Then you say, after 5 minutes of pressure cooking, do a natural pressure release. does this mean 4 mins at pressure and 1 minute of natural release or 4 mins of pressure and 5 mins of natural pressure release ( pot will say L-5). Thanks...just want to be sure I don’t make mush out of this.
Uma Raghupathi
Hi Liz, sorry for the confusion!
After 4 minutes of pressure cooking(it will stop cooking) then it goes to a warm setting. Wait for 5 minutes. Then do a quick release. Hope now it makes sense. Thank you
Amanda
Talk about the perfect spring pasta! The Instant Pot makes it so quick, and I love those bright flavors with the warmer weather finally creeping in. Can't wait to make this again!
Paula Montenegro
This recipe comes at the perfect time when I moved and found a jar of orzo that I had forgotten about! Love the idea of trying it in the instant pot. Thanks for sharing!
Anna
I love orzo, I normally add it to some salads and soups, it has such a lovely texture. This would be a perfect side dish at any gathering, love the fresh flavours in your recipe!
GUNJAN C Dudani
I have tried orzo once and i like it very much. Since then, I have been wanting to eat it again. Thankfully I found your recipe with awesome combination.
Analida Braeger
My family loved this pasta dish and thanks so much for the very detailed instructions too! This is one we will make again and again.
Uma Raghupathi
Thank you Analida 🙂
Veena Azmanov
Making this super flavorful Lemon Orzo with Peas in an Instant Pot is a delight. Looks super moist and delicious.
Bernice Hill
I love all the bright flavours you've added to the dish. They're so bright and spring-like...it's the perfect instant pot side dish.
Uma Raghupathi
Thank you 😊