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Skillet Orzo With Chorizo and Dates Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 63 reviews

A flavorful and comforting skillet orzo dish featuring Spanish chorizo, sweet dates, and creamy goat cheese, finished with fresh mint for a vibrant touch. This one-pan recipe offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and creamy textures, ideal for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 ounces dried (cured) Spanish chorizo, casing and ends removed, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups (10 ounces) orzo
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 5 dates (preferably Medjool), pitted and coarsely chopped
  • 4 ounces fresh goat cheese
  • Torn fresh mint leaves (optional), for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil and cook chorizo: Heat the olive oil in a medium (about 10-inch) cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced chorizo and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat renders and the chorizo starts to brown, about 2 minutes.
  2. Sauté onion and garlic: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the chorizo and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, roughly 30 seconds.
  3. Toast the orzo: Add the orzo to the skillet and season with salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is lightly toasted and golden, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Add dates and simmer: Stir in the chopped dates and pour in 2 1/2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and cook undisturbed until the orzo is al dente and the liquid is absorbed, approximately 10 minutes.
  5. Evaporate excess liquid if needed: If all the liquid isn’t absorbed when the orzo is done, uncover the skillet, increase the heat to medium-high, and simmer rapidly for 1 to 2 minutes until any remaining liquid evaporates.
  6. Finish with goat cheese and mint: Remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Crumble the fresh goat cheese evenly over the orzo and gently stir to combine and allow it to start melting. Garnish with torn fresh mint leaves if desired before serving.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use dried cured Spanish chorizo; fresh chorizo may alter cooking time and flavor.
  • If you don’t have a lid for your skillet, tightly cover with aluminum foil to trap steam for cooking the orzo.
  • Medjool dates are preferred for their large size and caramel-like sweetness, but any soft, sweet dates can be substituted.
  • To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the chorizo and sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil, then consider adding smoked paprika or a smoked salt substitute for depth of flavor.
  • This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: skillet orzo, chorizo recipe, orzo with dates, Spanish chorizo, one-pan dinner, quick skillet meal, goat cheese orzo

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/skillet-orzo-with-chorizo-and-dates-recipe/