Parmesan Orzo and Meatballs
Course: Main CourseThis Parmesan Orzo and Meatballs dish is a flavorful fusion, marrying Italian tradition with American heartiness. A dish that’s been embraced in American-Italian homes for decades, it’s like a cozy hug on a plate.
Historically, imagine families gathering around tables, laughter filling kitchens, and the aroma of Parmesan wafting through the air. This dish carries the essence of tradition, making it a timeless addition to home-cooked meals.
Now, let’s talk health. It’s not just a comfort food; it’s a nutrient-packed powerhouse. With zucchini, bell peppers, and a rainbow of veggies joining the meaty goodness, it’s like a wholesome orchestra of flavors that’s good for your taste buds and your well-being.
Cooking it up is a symphony of sizzling pans and harmonious stirrings. Meatballs crisping up in butter, orzo pasta absorbing the savory broth, and veggies doing a sauté dance – it’s like a culinary concert where each ingredient plays a crucial role in the flavorful melody.
Calorie-conscious folks, rejoice! With a balance of meaty goodness and veggie vibrancy, this dish is a satisfying treat without the guilt. It’s like finding the perfect harmony between taste and health.
So, when your loved ones come home after a long day, treat them to a plate of Parmesan Orzo and Meatballs. It’s not just a meal; it’s a delicious reminder that comfort food can be both hearty and healthy, bringing warmth to your home. Bon appétit!
Historically, imagine families gathering around tables, laughter filling kitchens, and the aroma of Parmesan wafting through the air. This dish carries the essence of tradition, making it a timeless addition to home-cooked meals.
Now, let’s talk health. It’s not just a comfort food; it’s a nutrient-packed powerhouse. With zucchini, bell peppers, and a rainbow of veggies joining the meaty goodness, it’s like a wholesome orchestra of flavors that’s good for your taste buds and your well-being.
Cooking it up is a symphony of sizzling pans and harmonious stirrings. Meatballs crisping up in butter, orzo pasta absorbing the savory broth, and veggies doing a sauté dance – it’s like a culinary concert where each ingredient plays a crucial role in the flavorful melody.
Calorie-conscious folks, rejoice! With a balance of meaty goodness and veggie vibrancy, this dish is a satisfying treat without the guilt. It’s like finding the perfect harmony between taste and health.
So, when your loved ones come home after a long day, treat them to a plate of Parmesan Orzo and Meatballs. It’s not just a meal; it’s a delicious reminder that comfort food can be both hearty and healthy, bringing warmth to your home. Bon appétit!
Ingredients
~20 meat balls
Half a large zucchini, cut into strips
Half a large red bell pepper, sliced into strips
200 g (7 oz) Orzo pasta
Half an onion, diced
1 peeled tomato, diced
1 medium carrot, diced
3 small stalks of celery, diced
350 ml (12 fl oz) beef broth
60 g (2.1 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
35 g (1.25 oz) butter
1 tbsp chopped green onion
1 tsp Italian spices
1 tsp paprika
Salt/pepper to taste
Directions
- Saute the meat balls on butter for about 5 minutes until they become crispy on all sides. Add meat broth to the balls and bring to a boil.
- Add pasta, tomato, spices and salt. Reduce heat to medium and cook it for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Meanwhile, in another frying pan, saute the onion, carrots and celery in olive oil for 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
- Add the vegetable mixture to the main pan with the pasta and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a little more water or meat broth.
- Meanwhile, in another frying pan, saute the zucchini and bell pepper in olive oil for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the vegetables to the main pan with the pasta and cook for 1 minute more to combine all the flavors.
- Remove the main pan from the heat and add half the Parmesan cheese, stirring the pasta with a spatula until the cheese is melted.
- Top the pasta with the remaining Parmesan and green onions. Bon appetit!
