Lentil and Fresh Basil Orzotto

28/04/2011 6 Comments
today’s post is particularly exciting, since it’s being featured as this week’s Friday Yum on Swings and Roundabouts! really happy to share with them and you one of my favorite veg staples: lentil and fresh basil orzotto.


what is orzotto? it’s very similar to risotto, but uses orzo (rissoni) instead of traditional Arborio rice. my version also uses olive oil instead of butter, and lots of wine and fresh basil for a healthy richness. 

the beauty of this dish is that it was born of accident. usually it’s a hearty lentil, veggie and basil soup. this time, i kept stirring and adding wine/water as it absorbed, which created a creamier texture that was perfect topped with extra parmesan. fresh basil is a necessity in this recipe – it makes all the difference. and feel free to be extra liberal with the wine (i was)!

what started out as a favorite autumn soup has become a healthy version of my favorite Italian indulgence. hopefully it becomes one of yours, too. 


head over to Swings and Roundabouts to get the full recipe 
and have a look around!

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  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/07073920261483561794 Christina

    this looks delicious! i love using orzo bc it’s so similar to my last name (orso)! i should try to make this. :)

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/16949599141577685866 Nuha

    how are you so creative? to me lentils = shorabit 3adass and mjadarra haha :)

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/08934497862144836328 Lady Grey

    Oh my, that looks AMAZING!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/16327344027557036250 Candace

    omygoodness Yasmeen! That looks fantastic. Congratulations on being featured! I am crazy about all things “risotto” and have a love for orzo and did you mention fresh basil and lots of wine? I’m in. I happen to have a bag of lentils in the pantry that I haven’t cooked yet. In fact, I’ve never had lentils ever before. I guess I was waiting for this recipe. I’m going to be making this one this week for sure. Have a wonderful weekend, my friend. I’m going to visit your featured post now.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/16188267834426956905 Jessi

    Ooh that looks so good!

    I’m your newest follower, I loved looking around your blog. I hope you have a wonderful weekend! :)

  • http://www.6bittersweets.com/ Xiaolu @ 6 Bittersweets

    Wow this looks so good — love the colors too! Congrats on the guest post =D