Citrus Garlic Orzo with Burst Tomatoes & Crispy Chickpeas
Some dinners just feel like summer in a bowl. This Citrus Garlic Orzo is bright, cozy, and full of those simple Mediterranean flavors that make a meal feel special without requiring a lot of effort. Sweet burst tomatoes, fresh basil, lemon, and garlicky orzo come together with crispy chickpeas for texture and a little crunch. It’s the kind of dinner that works for a busy weeknight but still feels like something you’d order at a little café.
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and dried very well
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1–1½ tsp Citrus Garlic Dust*
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ tsp Citrus Garlic Dust
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 2¼ cups vegetable broth
- zest of 1 lemon
- juice of ½–1 lemon (to taste)
- 1 packed cup fresh basil, torn
- salt + black pepper
Instructions
- 1Prepare the Crispy Garlic Chickpeas
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Pat the chickpeas very dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel; this helps them crisp instead of steam. Spread the chickpeas on a baking sheet and toss with olive oil, Citrus Garlic Dust (or your seasoning substitute), and a pinch of salt. Roast for 25–30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- 2Sauté the Burst Tomatoes with Citrus Garlic Flavor
While the chickpeas roast, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and begin to burst. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Sprinkle in the Citrus Garlic Dust and stir to coat the tomatoes in the bright garlic-citrus flavor.
- 3Toast the Orzo for Extra Flavor
Add the dry orzo directly to the skillet with the tomatoes. Stir for 1–2 minutes, allowing the orzo to lightly toast and absorb the flavors from the garlic and olive oil. This small step adds a deeper, slightly nutty flavor to the finished dish.
- 4Simmer the Orzo Until Creamy
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. If the orzo needs more moisture, add a splash of broth until it reaches a creamy consistency.
- 5Finish with Fresh Lemon and Basil
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and freshly torn basil. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add a little more Citrus Garlic Dust, lemon juice, salt, or pepper depending on your preference.
- 6Top with Crispy Chickpeas and Serve
Spoon the citrus garlic orzo into bowls and top with the crispy chickpeas. Finish with extra fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of seasoning, and a charred lemon half if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
*For Citrus Garlic Dust homemade substitute, use 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper
