Name: Orzo Risotto
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 Servings
Cuisine: Other

Jule’s Menu Verified

February 14, 2026

This Mediterranean orzo risotto is quick and simple to make with just a few ingredients. Tender orzo is simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce with sautéed shallot, garlic, and fresh parsley, then finished with salty, melty Halloumi for a creamy, satisfying touch. Seasoned with salt and pepper, it’s a bright, hearty vegetarian dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy lunch.

From the Cook

1/5

Orzo Risotto

Jule’s Menu Verified

Ingredients

WarningMilk and 4 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Wash the parsley and finely chop the stems. Finely to coarsely chop the leaves as well and set them aside for later. Peel the garlic and shallot and finely dice both. Place the tomatoes in a bowl and crush them with your hands.

Pour olive oil into a large frying pan or wide pot and sauté the shallots and garlic with a pinch of salt over medium heat. After about a minute, add the parsley stems and sauté for another minute.

Add the tomatoes and about 400 milliliters of water, increase the heat, and bring the sauce to a boil. Then add the orzo and simmer gently, covered, for 14 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Meanwhile, coarsely grate the halloumi using a box grater or cheese grater.

Once the pasta is al dente, reduce the heat and stir in the grated halloumi and chopped parsley. Season the risotto with salt and pepper and serve.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Orzo Starch Magic 🥄
Stir the orzo constantly during cooking to release its natural starches, creating a creamy risotto-like texture without traditional risotto techniques.
Halloumi Searing Technique 🧀
Slice halloumi into 1/4-inch thick pieces and dry completely before searing to achieve a golden, crispy exterior without sticking.
Tomato Sauce Depth 🍅
Crush tomatoes by hand instead of using pre-chopped to release more natural oils and create a more intense, rustic flavor profile.
Liquid Ratio Precision 💧
Use a 3:1 liquid to orzo ratio and add warm stock or water incrementally to ensure perfect al dente texture without mushiness.
Fresh Herb Layering 🌿
Chop parsley just before adding and sprinkle in two stages - half during cooking and half as a fresh garnish for maximum flavor and visual appeal.

Intelligent Tags

About the Cook

Jule’s Menu

Hi, I’m Julia, and I’m the recipe developer, photographer, and author behind Jules’ Menu. I’ve spent the last eight years perfecting healthy everyday recipes so they strike the perfect balance between healthy and nourishing, simple and practical, and gourmet-level delicious.