Orzo

What Is Orzo?

Orzo is a small, oval pasta that resembles a rice grain or a large barley grain. Although its name means "barley" in Italian, it is not a grain but a pasta made from wheat semolina. In Greek cuisine it is called "kritharaki," and in Turkish it is sometimes called "arpa şehriye."

Being small and evenly grained makes it useful both in soups and in dishes cooked like rice (pilaf-style). Once cooked, it softens and gives a slightly starchy texture; it is also frequently used in salads.

Nutritional Values of Orzo

As a wheat pasta, orzo contains mainly carbohydrate and some protein; 100 grams of dry product provides about 360 kcal (the portion value drops once cooked). Since it is made from wheat, it contains gluten. Values are approximate.

How Should Orzo Be Consumed?

As a carbohydrate source, orzo is consumed as part of soup, a rice-like dish, or a salad; balancing it with vegetables and protein sources is recommended. Since it contains gluten, it is not suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

This information is general; orzo is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Orzo?

Good orzo is dry, with evenly whole grains, light yellow in color, and has a suitable freshness date. Broken-dusty, damp, or insect-infested products are not preferred; whole-wheat varieties also exist.

• Grains should be evenly whole
• Should be dry and clean
• Should not be infested with insects

How Is Orzo Stored?

Orzo is stored in a sealed container, in a cool, dry, and dark place, for a long time; moisture can cause mold, while open-hot storage can lead to insect infestation. Cooked orzo should be consumed quickly after being kept in the refrigerator.

Using Orzo in the Kitchen

Orzo is used most in soups (especially egg-lemon or vegetable soups), dishes cooked like rice by toasting in butter, baked pasta, and cold-hot salads. Its small grain cooks quickly; when toasted for a pilaf-style dish, it gives a nutty flavor.

Is Orzo a Type of Rice?

No; orzo is a pasta that resembles rice, not a grain (rice). It is made from wheat semolina and, unlike rice, contains gluten.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are orzo and arpa şehriye the same?

They are largely the same; in Turkish, orzo is sometimes also called "arpa şehriye" (although arpa şehriye may be a bit smaller). Both are wheat pastas and are used similarly.

How is orzo cooked?

It can be boiled in plenty of water, or toasted in butter like rice pilaf and simmered with a measured amount of water/stock. Being small, it cooks quickly.

Is orzo gluten-free?

Classic orzo is made from wheat and contains gluten. For gluten-free diets, there are also corn-rice-based gluten-free orzo-style products.