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    Home » Recipes » Instant Pot Recipes

    Lemon Orzo With Peas (Instant Pot)

    Published: March 2, 2020 · Modified: April 5, 2021 by Uma Raghupathi · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 21 Comments

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    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 box too.

    A white bowl  filled with orzo and fork inserted and a lemon wedge for garnish this recipe
    Jump to:
    • What is Orzo?
    • How to make this recipe
    • Expert tips
    • Is Orzo gluten-free?
    • The shelf life of lemon orzo 
    • 📖 Recipe

    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 as 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 are planning. 

    With its chewy texture, Orzo grains taste the best when you infuse a lot of flavors around every grain. For this recipe, I have used mint leaves and thyme along with the flavor from lemon and it 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. 

    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.

    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.

    oil and garlic placed inside the instant pot

    Then add orzo and saute for 30 seconds or so and make sure it doesn't burn.

    A close up of food, with Lemon and Orzo

    Proceed with adding the rest of the ingredients (thyme, mint leaves, and frozen peas) except the lemon zest and lemon juice and stir well.

    A bowl of food, with Lemon and Orzo

    Add water or vegetable broth and salt.

    A pot filled with orzo, peas, and water

    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.

    Here are my few more Instant Pot Recipes

    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 are following a strict gluten-free diet, please make sure you find the gluten-free version.

    The shelf life of lemon orzo 

    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!

    A plate of lemon orzo is on the black surface

    Here are my few more Instant Pot Recipes

    Instant Pot Masala Pasta

    Instant  Pot Veg Biryani

    Mushroom Rice

    Dum aloo

    Jeera rice

    Black Eye Peas Curry

    • Instant Pot Tomato Rice
    • Instant Pot Vegetable Barley Soup
    • Dal Tadka Instant Pot
    • Easy Instant Pot Coconut Rice

    Just subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious vegan recipes such as this sent directly to your inbox.

    If you’ve tried this recipe then don’t forget to leave a rating and let me know how you liked it in the comments below, I love hearing from you! Follow me on social media Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. 

    📖 Recipe

    A white bowl full  lemon orzo with a side of the lemon wedge for garnish

    Lemon Orzo With Peas (Instant Pot)

    Uma Raghupathi
    For Lemon Orzo with peas recipe, I have used mint leaves and thyme along with the flavor from lemon and it turned out very well.
    4.84 from 12 votes
    Print Recipe
    Prep Time:5 mins
    Cook Time:10 mins
    Total Time:15 mins
    Course :Side Dish
    Cuisine :Italian
    Diet :Vegan
    Allergen :Dairy free
    Difficulty :Easy
    Servings 5 people
    Calories 82 kcal

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups of orzo
    • 3 ½ cups of water
    • 2 garlic cloves chopped
    • 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
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Press the ‘saute’ button on the Instant Pot and add olive oil to the inner pot.
    • 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.
    • Add chopped mint leaves, dried thyme, black pepper, and frozen peas and give a nice stir.
    • Add water or vegetable broth and salt. Stir well.
    • 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 under pressure, 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.
    • Lemon Orzo is ready! Serve warm paired with breadsticks for a sumptuous meal!

    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. 
    Note: The nutrition values I show here are my best estimates. Please be sure to check your preferred nutrition calculator, if you are reliant on accurate calculations in your diet.

    YOUR OWN NOTES

    Click here to add your own private notes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 82kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutritional information is an estimation only.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @simplesumptuouscooking or tag #simplesumptuouscooking!
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    A white bowl filled, with Orzo and lemon wedge for garnish
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Cheryl

      May 19, 2020 at 10:28 pm

      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

      Reply
      • Uma Raghupathi

        May 20, 2020 at 4:45 am

        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.

        Reply
    2. Karen

      April 14, 2020 at 9:34 pm

      I love orzo and this dish looks delicious, do you think this would also work with brown rice.

      Reply
      • Uma Raghupathi

        April 14, 2020 at 9:36 pm

        Thank you Karen! Yes this will work with rice as well!

        Reply
    3. Ayleash

      March 13, 2020 at 10:15 pm

      how much garlic?? you don't say!

      Reply
      • Uma Raghupathi

        March 13, 2020 at 10:31 pm

        Oh thank you for letting me know that Ayleash! 2 garlic cloves chopped. I will update soon 🙂

        Reply
    4. Sophie

      March 09, 2020 at 12:22 pm

      I love orzo because of its texture and lemony flavor sounds amazing. Thanks for this recipe.5 stars

      Reply
    5. Connie

      March 09, 2020 at 5:25 am

      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!5 stars

      Reply
    6. Jacqui DeBono

      March 08, 2020 at 7:30 pm

      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.5 stars

      Reply
      • Uma Raghupathi

        March 08, 2020 at 7:41 pm

        Thank you 😊 hope you will make this recipe.

        Reply
        • Liz

          April 06, 2021 at 1:57 pm

          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

          April 06, 2021 at 2:43 pm

          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

    7. Amanda

      March 06, 2020 at 9:45 pm

      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!5 stars

      Reply
    8. Paula Montenegro

      March 06, 2020 at 1:32 pm

      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!5 stars

      Reply
    9. Anna

      March 06, 2020 at 11:13 am

      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!5 stars

      Reply
    10. GUNJAN C Dudani

      March 05, 2020 at 8:36 pm

      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.5 stars

      Reply
    11. Analida Braeger

      March 05, 2020 at 2:58 pm

      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.5 stars

      Reply
      • Uma Raghupathi

        March 05, 2020 at 3:22 pm

        Thank you Analida 🙂

        Reply
    12. Veena Azmanov

      March 04, 2020 at 9:56 am

      Making this super flavorful Lemon Orzo with Peas in an Instant Pot is a delight. Looks super moist and delicious.5 stars

      Reply
    13. Bernice Hill

      March 03, 2020 at 10:59 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Uma Raghupathi

        March 03, 2020 at 11:28 pm

        Thank you 😊

        Reply

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