"Risoni-Rice is a sweet twist to your basic rice. The fried and browned risoni imparts a subtle spicy, sweetness to the rice, as well as a lovely texture. It serves well as a beautiful side dish to any of your grilled, stewed or baked main dishes. Try it and see!"
Rice
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Prep time 2mins
Cook time 20mins
Serves or Makes: 6
Recipe Card
ingredients
- 2/3 cup risoni rice-shaped pasta, also called ‘orzo’
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups medium grain rice
- 4 cups water
- 2 teaspoons salt
Preparing the Risoni-Rice
Method
Step 1
Add the risoni and olive oil to a pot
Step 2
Stirring frequently, brown the risoni on medium heat
Step 3
Once the risoni has browned, immediately add the rice and stir through
Step 4
Add the water and salt to the pot and stir through a few times until it comes to a boil (this prevents the rice from clumping and cooking unevenly)
Step 5
Reduce the heat to low for a gentle simmer and place a vented lid on the pot
Step 6
Cook until all the water has been absorbed
Step 7
Take the pot off the heat and place a tea-towel between the pot and the lid
Step 8
Allow the risoni-rice to rest for 10 minutes before serving
Serving the Risoni-Rice
Step 1
Serve the risoni-rice as a side dish to any stew, baked or grilled main or enjoy as a dish on its own, served with a sprinkling of feta or a decadent dollop of natural Greek yoghurt
Step 2
For a complete KO meal, serve it with Greek meatballs, Greek salad and tzatziki
Key Points
Step 1
•The risoni must brown enough to contrast well with the rice and to add a lovely sweet, aromatic flavour to the rice, but not over-brown or burn as this will make the dish distasteful. Keep a very close eye on the risoni as it cooks and browns, and have the rice ready to add and stir through once the risoni has browned
Step 2
•The rice and risoni at the base of the pot will cook more than that at the top. Don’t worry if the rice looks a little undercooked at the top when all the water has been absorbed; the steam that rises from the base of the pot during the resting phase, will cook it further