I just love orzo. Growing up, it was a staple in our home, and this dish was one of my favorites. My mom would combine tomato soup, homemade turkey stock, and orzo. It was just one of those perfect dishes, comforting and delicious! My kids love it as much as I did and it is still a favorite of mine this time of year.
It is a perfect weeknight meal and super easy to make. You can make it with homemade or store bought stock and soup, depending on your time constraints. It also freezes well, which is a big plus.
Notes
# 1 This is a great make-ahead meal and is perfect for entertaining guests. Make the stock and tomato soup and freeze or make a day or 2 ahead and store in the fridge. Make the orzo up to 2-3 days ahead and store in the fridge, or freeze it for longer storage. Combine all ingredients when ready to eat and cook according to directions.
# 2 Make your own tomato soup and/or turkey stock (it is great made with turkey wings). You can make both ahead of time and store in the fridge, or freeze for longer storage.
# 3 Don’t reduce as much and serve as a soup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. orzo
- 3 cups tomato soup
- 4 1/2 cups turkey stock (you can substitute chicken broth or stock if needed)
- 1/2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil
- salt, garlic powder, and sugar to taste (see instructions for information on why amounts aren't provided)
- cheese to finish (Feta, Asiago, Parmesan, or Romano work well)
Instructions
- Cook the orzo according to package directions. The general rule of thumb is 6 quarts of water per 1 pound of orzo, and it usually cooks within 10-12 minutes. Once the orzo is ready; strain, but don’t rinse.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a pot large enough to hold all of the ingredients, and add the cooked orzo and toss well. Add the soup and stock and stir well. Heat through and then let it cook uncovered over medium heat for 20 minutes, stirring often. This will allow the liquid to reduce and to not only make it creamy, but allow the orzo to absorb some of the liquid. An enameled cast iron pot works well here for even heating and to prevent sticking.
- While it is reducing, add a little salt, sugar, and garlic powder to taste. The amount will depend on the flavor of your tomato soup and stock, so I haven't given an exact measurement. If your sauce and/or stock are flavorful, you may not need any additional spices. I start with 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. sugar, and 3/4 tsp. garlic powder, and then go from there. Paprika is nice too, if you like it.
- Once it is ready, serve topped with cheese. This is great as a main or side dish with veggies and/or meat. It is also great with served with broccoli.
- Enjoy and I hope you love it as much as we do!
I am excited to share this yummy dish at Fiesta Friday # 208!
This looks delicious and comforting. I can’t wait until I get my weight down to a place where I can enjoy tomato based foods again!
Thanks Nat! I hope you can soon, I know it has been hard!
I love orzo and for some reason almost never eat it. Hmm. Added to my shopping list, Antonia. Thanks for the recipe. And your right about being able to free it – that always comes in handy. Hope you are well, my friend. Have a wonderful day!
Hi Diana! I am doing well, I hope you are too! Awesome, orzo is so good. I love freezing pasta and rice dishes. It is amazing how well they freeze. Have a wonderful day, and I’ll be over to catch up soon! 😀
This sounds so good! I need to try this Antonia!
Thank you so much Lynn! Have a nice weekend!
You too
Thanks! My daughter is having a sleepover tonight, so I am pretty tired, lol!
Wow I am sure!
😀
Ooooo, yummy!! I can do this! 😀
Thanks Paula! I love quick and easy dishes like this. 😀 Have a fantastic weekend!
This looks like the best kind of comfort food Antonia! And don’t you love having recipes that have memories of family attached to them?? I wonder if I could used chicken broth in place of the turkey?? It’s what I would have on hand. thanks thanks Antonia– hope you are all staying warm & snug! xo
Thank you Rhonda, it really is. I love food that takes you back! 😀 Yes, you can use chicken broth (I need to note that in the recipe). It is a little less rich in flavor, but is equally delicious. I hope you get a chance to try it! Have a lovely weekend! 😀
Sounds yummy and not too difficult to make at all.
Thanks Deborah! It really is super easy to make. I hope you have a nice weekend!
We do like our easy recipes 🙂 Enjoy your week!
Very true 😀
That looks great. I don’t cook much–you’re making me rethink that.
Thanks Jacqui! Very cool! Have a great week! 😀
This looks beautiful and soul warming Antonia!
Thanks Zeba! Have a wonderful week! 😀
I think I need to buy some orzo! My son would absolutely love this! Thanks so much for sharing at Fiesta Friday 🙂
Awesome! Happy Fiesta Friday and have a wonderful week! 😀
Orzo is a great staple! I use it when I need a quick “risotto” and have to admit I like it more than rice! Great recipe and it looks so good 🙂
It really is! That’s a great idea! Thank you so much Petra! 😀 Have a fantastic week!
And you too Zoale! 🙂
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Love recipes like these that are comforting, easy and yummy. Great share Antonia!
Thank you Sandhya! I am so sorry it has taken me so long to respond. We’ve been sick with that flu-like bug, and are finally getting better. Have a wonderful end to your week! 😀
No apologies needed Antonia. Hope you all feel better soon.
Thank you! 😀
I love cooking orzo. This sounds delicious.
Me too! Thank you Liz! Have a great end to your week! 😀
Sounds like a perfect comfort food… 🙂
It really is, thank you! 😀