Caramelized Onion & Harissa Butter Orzo
Caramelized Onion & Harissa Butter Orzo offers a delightful fusion of sweet and spicy flavors that will elevate your dining experience. This creamy orzo dish features perfectly caramelized onions paired with the bold kick of harissa butter, creating a comforting yet sophisticated meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and mouthwatering aromas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: North African
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste (adjust for spice preference)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add sliced onions and stir until coated. Reduce heat to medium-low and caramelize for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Add minced garlic and harissa paste to the skillet; cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to boil. Cook orzo according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente.
- Drain the orzo and combine it with the onion mixture in the skillet. Stir gently to mix flavors well.
- Add remaining butter, salt, pepper, fresh herbs, and optional Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (210g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: For added flavor, cook orzo in vegetable or chicken broth instead of water. Feel free to customize with vegetables like spinach or swap harissa for another hot sauce.