Skip to main content
Epicurious
Gourmet

Toasted Orzo With Saffron and Fennel

By Melissa Roberts

3.4

(28)

A bowl of orzo in a creamy sauce of saffron fennel and dill with a glass of white wine.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton

Because of its shape, orzo can do nearly anything rice can do, and if you're a pasta lover, you might say orzo does it better. Saffron and fennel are two characteristic flavors in many Mediterranean dishes.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    35 min

  • Yield

    Makes 4 to 6 (side dish) servings

Ingredients

¼ teaspoon crumbled saffron threads
1 tablespoon boiling-hot water plus 2 cups water, divided
½ cup chopped red onion
2 tablespoons olive oil
1½ cups orzo (9 ounces)
1 cup chopped fennel (from 1 small bulb) plus 2 tablespoons chopped fronds

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Soften saffron in 1 tablespoon hot water and set aside.

    Step 2

    Cook onion in oil in a 3-quart heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 6 minutes. Add orzo and toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant, 2 to 4 minutes.

    Step 3

    Stir in saffron mixture, remaining 2 cups water, and 1 teaspoon salt and simmer, covered, until orzo is just tender and liquid is absorbed, about 12 minutes.

    Step 4

    Sprinkle fennel bulb over orzo and let stand, covered, off heat 5 minutes. Stir fennel bulb into orzo, then serve sprinkled with fennel fronds.

TagsPastaOrzoSaffronHerbs & SpicesFennelRoot VegetableVegetableSideDinnerNut FreeDairy FreeVeganVegetarianQuickEasyWeeknight MealsGourmet

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Read More
Apple-Walnut Charoset
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App in March
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
Caramelized Onion Pasta
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
31 Easter Desserts, Each One Better Than a Chocolate Egg
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon
This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.
Essential Easter Recipes for Brunch, Dinner, and Dessert
Grab your Easter basket and hop in—you’ll want to collect each and every one of these fun and easy Easter recipes.
Classic French Vinaigrette
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.