Description
This Moroccan orzo recipe combines orzo cooked in a herby tomato sauce and rich Moroccan spiced lamb or beef. Top with minced fresh parsley (optional)! It’s a recipe passed down to me from my grandma that is a family favorite for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Units
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- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lb lamb or beef stew meat (cubed)
- 1 yellow onion, minced
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 3–4 saffron strands, bloomed with an ice cube
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 cup cilantro, minced
- 1/2 cup parsley, minced
- 6 cups water
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups orzo
Instructions
- Sauté the meat & onion. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the stew meat and minced onion and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the meat begins to brown and tenderize, about 10-15 minutes.
- Season & transfer to a saucepan. Add chili flakes, salt, pepper, ginger, saffron, turmeric, bay leaves, cilantro, and parsley and mix to combine everything. Transfer the meat and onions to a smaller saucepan and add 1 cup of water. Bring to a simmer, before covering and simmering on low heat while the orzo cooks.
- Cook the orzo. In the same large pot where the meat cooked, add 5 cups of water, 1 can of tomato sauce, and a generous pinch of salt. Bring the liquid to a boil before adding orzo and lowering to medium low. Cover & cook, stirring regularly until the pasta is al dente and most of the sauce is absorbed, about 9 minutes.
- Serve. Add some of the orzo to a bowl and top with a few spoonfuls of the meat mixture. Enjoy!