Hello, fellow food enthusiasts and culinary adventurers! Get ready, because I have something incredibly exciting bubbling up in the Steamy Kitchen. A secret, a whisper of pure deliciousness that I’m just bursting to share with all of you.
But… I’m not going to unveil it just yet. Consider this a little culinary cliffhanger, a tantalizing peek behind the curtain of what’s next. You’ll have to wait just a couple more days for the big reveal!
I know, I know – I’m quite the tease. But would you honestly expect anything less from Steamy Kitchen, where every dish is an adventure waiting to happen?
In the interim, while we all eagerly anticipate that upcoming surprise, I wanted to pull back the curtain on another aspect of our kitchen – the delightful chaos that often ensues when it’s time to decide what to eat. You see, even in a household dedicated to delicious food, making dinner decisions can sometimes feel like navigating a culinary labyrinth. Let me share a typical weeknight scenario from the Steamy household.
The Culinary Conundrum: How The Steamy Household Decides What to Eat
It’s 5 PM on a bustling weeknight, the sun beginning its descent, and the aroma of something wonderful (or at least, the promise of it) should be filling the air. Instead, it’s a familiar scene: my husband, 
, turns to the family with a hopeful glint in his eye. “What other side dish would you guys like for supper? We’re having our fantastic Szechuan Peppercorn Roasted Chicken tonight with some vibrant Honey Ginger Carrots with Citrus Salt.”
A moment of appreciative silence, then a voice (likely my own, 
) pipes up, “Oh, cool! I absolutely love the Szechuan Peppercorn Roasted Chicken. We’ve been indulging in so much delicious Grilled Garlic Rosemary Ribeye Steak lately that a change of pace is really nice. How about some freshly baked French Bread to complete the meal?”
Then, the voice of reason (my husband again, 
) gently replies, “Okay, well, it’s 5 PM now, and I can’t exactly whip up a perfect loaf of French Bread in time for supper. * How about just some plain, perfectly cooked Steamed Rice? Kids, what do you want to eat tonight?”
The call to the children usually sparks a flurry of imaginative, albeit impractical, suggestions. First, 
shouts, “
Pizza!”
Almost immediately, a second child, 
, chimes in with equal enthusiasm, “
Burgers!”
My husband (
) tries to steer them back to reality. “Kids, we can’t have 
for supper! Are you crazy? Pick something else, please.”
Undeterred, the first child (
) quickly pivots to another sweet dream. “ Vanilla Garlic’s Cinnamon Chocolate Cupcakes!”
The second child (
) eagerly seconds the motion. “Yeah! ”
Even my husband (
) can’t help but acknowledge the appeal. “Cool. ”
(SIGH). How can I possibly satisfy everyone’s cravings, from gourmet to kid-friendly, all while adhering to the clock? This is where the magic of a versatile, quick, and utterly delicious side dish truly comes into play. And that’s precisely how this delightful recipe for Orzo with Brown Butter and Cinnamon made its way to our table – a perfect compromise, a harmonious blend of simple elegance and comforting flavors that pleases all palates. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, yet sophisticated enough to impress, offering a unique twist on a classic pasta side.
Orzo with Brown Butter and Cinnamon: A Quick & Flavorful Side
This recipe for Orzo with Brown Butter and Cinnamon is a testament to how simple ingredients can transform into something extraordinary. The nutty, rich aroma of brown butter combined with the warm spice of cinnamon elevates humble orzo to a dish that feels both comforting and surprisingly gourmet. It’s an ideal side for roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even as a light vegetarian main. The slight tang of lemon and fresh parsley adds a burst of brightness, making this a perfectly balanced dish that’s quick to prepare but leaves a lasting impression.
Inspired by a cherished recipe from Epicurious, we’ve brought this quick and satisfying pasta side to our family table time and time again. It’s deceptively simple, yet the depth of flavor from the brown butter and hint of cinnamon makes it feel incredibly special.
GF-Adaptable: For those following a gluten-free diet, simply substitute traditional orzo with your favorite gluten-free pasta. The flavor profile will remain just as captivating!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound orzo pasta (or gluten-free alternative)
- 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, high quality for best flavor
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin preferred
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, good quality for warmth
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
- 1/4 lemon, for a bright squeeze of juice
- 3/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (from 2 bunches), for freshness and color
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot (6- to 8-quart capacity) of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package directions until it’s perfectly al dente, tender with a slight bite.
- While the orzo is cooking, prepare your brown butter. In a small, heavy-bottomed skillet, melt the unsalted butter over moderately low heat. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter transforms. It will foam, then the milk solids will sink to the bottom and turn a beautiful golden brown. You’ll notice a distinct, enticing nutty aroma – this typically takes about 5 minutes. Be sure to watch it carefully to prevent burning.
- Immediately remove the skillet from the heat once the butter is browned. Stir in the olive oil, ground cinnamon, and black pepper. The residual heat will help the spices bloom, enhancing their flavor.
- Drain the cooked orzo thoroughly in a colander. Return the hot, drained orzo to its original pot.
- Pour the brown-butter mixture over the orzo, making sure to scrape up any flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the skillet – these are packed with flavor! Add the fresh chopped parsley.
- Toss everything together until the orzo is well coated and the parsley is evenly distributed. Season generously with additional kosher salt to taste and a final bright squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately and enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors!
This simple Orzo with Brown Butter and Cinnamon recipe truly saves the day, bridging the gap between varied family preferences and the constraints of a busy schedule. It’s elegant, delicious, and delightfully easy – a recipe worth keeping in your weeknight rotation!
* (YES I KNOW, Jeff and Zoe, if I had some Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day dough waiting patiently in the refrigerator, I surely could have charmed my partner, 
, into anything by simply seducing him with a beautiful, crusty loaf of homemade Artisan Bread. A cook can dream, right?)
***
Exciting News: Announcing the Winners of the tsp spice giveaway!
The anticipation has been building, and we’re thrilled to finally announce the lucky winners of our highly coveted tsp spice giveaway! Three fortunate individuals will soon be receiving some exquisite, high-quality spices to elevate their culinary creations. We received so many wonderful entries and inspiring spice combinations, making the selection process incredibly difficult (in the best way possible!).
To ensure absolute fairness, our winners were randomly chosen by the incredibly precise and impartial The Psychic Science nifty random number generator. The virtual drumroll has begun, and the envelopes are being ripped open! Let’s unveil our champions!
Drumroll… please… (imagine the dramatic sound of an envelope being ripped open)
Our very first winner, whose culinary adventures are about to get a delightful boost, is… (cue the suspense, just like a prime-time reality show host!)… on the next page!
[Hee hee – I just pulled a classic “Ryan Seacrest” move on you! Couldn’t resist! 😉]
First Winner: Contestant #115 Takes Home Sun Shine Spices!
A huge congratulations to Contestant #115, who will receive the beautiful TSP Sun Shine spice collection! This vibrant set is designed to infuse your cooking with a bright, zesty essence, perfect for adding a touch of summer to any dish.
Sun Shine: Brighten Your Dishes! The Sun Shine collection contains one can each of organic lemon zest and organic orange zest. Each elegantly designed spice can conveniently holds 12 individual one-teaspoon packets, ensuring freshness and precise measurement every time. Organic lemon zest and organic orange zest are culinary powerhouses, ready to infuse your cooking with a kiss of pure sunshine. Imagine them brightening up baked goods, marinades, dressings, or even a simple roasted chicken. This collection is valued at $16. |
# 115claudia at ‘cook eat FRET’ Says:
February 26th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
thyme, garlic, salt and pepper
add cauliflower and cream
mash
oh my!.
Second Winner: Commenter #42 Receives Sweet Heat Spices!
And our next fantastic winner is… Commenter #42, who will be unwrapping the alluring Sweet Heat spice collection! This unique blend promises a delightful dance between warmth and subtle spice, perfect for adventurous palates.
| Sweet Heat: A Dazzling New Sensation!The Sweet Heat collection is a captivating duo, containing one can each of true cinnamon from Saigon and crushed ancho chiles. Just like the other collections, each spice can provides 12 convenient one-teaspoon packets. Sweet Heat is an age-old taste sensation made dazzlingly new, offering a beautiful balance of flavors. Awaken your senses with the delicate, complex flavor of true Saigon cinnamon expertly paired with the earthy, mild heat of ancho chile. These teaspoon packets allow you the flexibility to use them singly for distinct flavors or together for a truly dynamic blend. This collection is priced at $16. |
# 42Lisa Says:
February 26th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Cumin, coriander, turmeric and a tiny pinch of cinnamon. Not only does it taste great – the color is beautiful too!
Hey Lisa and Claudia – what a fantastic pairing! You two should definitely consider getting together and swapping some spice packets. You know, for me, an absolute favorite combo from the TSP spices is a blend of the vibrant Orange Zest from the Sun Shine collection and the smoky Ancho Chile from Sweet Heat! The possibilities are endless when you start mixing and matching these incredible flavors.
Final Winner: Contestant #218 Awarded Savoir Fare Spices!
And finally, the last but certainly not least winner of our fabulous spice giveaway is… Contestant #218! Get ready to explore the rich, aromatic world of Mediterranean herbs with this exquisite collection!
Savoir Fare: The Essence of Continental Cuisine! The Savoir Fare collection contains one can each of organic marjoram and organic sage. As with all TSP spice collections, each can generously provides 12 individual one-teaspoon packets for optimal freshness and convenience. For knowing cooks, marjoram and sage are a deliciously compatible pair, echoing the traditions of continental cuisine. Team them up to season a hearty bread stuffing, flavorful pork sausage, or robust stews. Alternatively, try them separately to flavor comforting meatloaves, creamy soups, or wholesome bean dishes. Continental chefs have long savored both of these exquisite herbs for their distinct yet harmonious profiles. Now, it’s your turn to experience their culinary magic. Bon appétit! This sophisticated collection is available for $16. |
# 218amy purple Says:
February 29th, 2008 at 3:07 pmThat is some fancy packaging for spices! I’m probably more of a Basil or Parsley person, but I on the last dish I made for my husband’s lunch, I used Ginger and Curry.
Do you have an orange tree? That photo just makes me want to suck the juice out of one of those orange slices!
A hearty congratulations once again to all our incredible winners! We’re so excited for you to receive and start cooking with these fantastic TSP spices. Please email me directly at [email protected] with your full name, shipping address, and phone number for prompt shipment of your prize! Don’t delay, your delicious spices await!