Best Orzo With Kale Recipes

ORZO WITH MINI SAUSAGE MEATBALLS AND KALE

Steps:

• Remove the casings from each sausage link, then pinch about 1 teaspoon sausage with your fingers and roll it into a mini meatball. Repeat with remaining sausage. (Each link should yield 10 to 13 meatballs.) Brown the meatballs in a large cast-iron, enameled cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat, until nicely browned all over, about 6 minutes total.
• Add the chicken stock to the pan along with the orzo. Cover and simmer on medium heat for 5 minutes. Lift the lid and give it a stir, making sure no pasta is sticking to the pan. Add the kale, nestle it in, then cover and simmer another 2 minutes. Lift the lid and add the juice from half the lemon (cut the remaining half into wedges). Stir and simmer until the orzo is just al dente, an additional minute or so. Season to taste with a pinch of salt if needed.
• Divide among shallow bowls and garnish with plenty of grated Parmesan, along with extra lemon wedges and parsley. And crusty bread. Always.

CREAMY LEMON ORZO WITH WINTER GREENS

Steps:

• Cook 2 cups sliced Tuscan kale in olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, 2 minutes. Add 2 sliced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute; season with salt and pepper. Add 2 cups vegetable broth and 1/2 cup heavy cream; bring to a simmer. Stir in 1 cup orzo and cook 9 minutes. Stir in 3 ounces baby spinach. Turn off the heat; stir in 3/4 cup grated Parmesan and 1 tablespoon each lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil.

SALMON AND KALE ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add orzo and cook until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and transfer onto a large baking sheet. Drizzle orzo with 3 tablespoons olive oil, toss, spread out, and set aside to cool, about 30 minutes.
• Once the orzo is cool, transfer to a large serving bowl. Set aside.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Blanch kale in the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Drain off water from kale and submerge in a bowl of ice water. Drain and blot dry.
• Add kale to orzo along with 1/4 cup olive oil, dried cherries, pine nuts, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine. Top with flaked salmon. Shave ricotta salata cheese on top and serve immediately.