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Lemon-Basil Orzotto

Lemon-Basil Orzotto reads citrus 6.4, umami 5.8 and sourness 5.4 on Palate's 0–10 flavor X-ray — a Italian main, about 25 min. Measured from the recipe itself: ingredients and technique.

The flavor X-ray — six axes, 0–10

• Umami & Savory — 6.4 / 10
• Sweet & Fruity — 5.8 / 10
• Sour & Bright — 8.0 / 10
• Bitter & Earthy — 1.7 / 10
• Rich & Fat — 5.2 / 10
• Aromatic & Spice — 3.0 / 10

The measured notes (of 18)

Citrus 6.4 · Umami 5.8 · Sourness 5.4 · Fruity 5.0 · Richness 4.7 · Salinity 3.9 · Sweetness 2.7 · Funk & Ferment 2.6 · Allium 2.6 · Herbaceous 2.3 · Floral 2.0 · Nutty 1.8 · Bitterness 1.5 · Earthy 1.3 · Warm Spice 1.0

What's in it (12)

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta or 1 1/2 cups pearl barley
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 3 cups chicken stock or 3 cups low-sodium broth
• 1/2 cup frozen tiny peas
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chiffonade fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 lemon, juice of
• salt & freshly ground black pepper

Time & effort: about 25 min · effort: medium

Nutrition (per 100 g, engine-estimated): 117.6 kcal, 4.6 g protein, 2.4 g fat, 18.3 g carbs

Dietary: Contains dairy — engine-derived; double-check anything allergy-critical.

How it's cooked (3 steps)

1. In a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and saute until fragrant and translucent. Add the orzo and toast for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the wine and cook until absorbed.
2. Gradually add the chicken stock, stirring frequently. Bring to a simmer, lower the heat, and cover. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until the liquid is almost absorbed and orzo is tender. Remove from the heat.
3. Stir in peas, Parmesan, fresh basil, lemon zest, heavy cream, and lemon juice. Season the orzo with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve.

Dishes with a similar flavor shape

• Crispy Greek Chicken Cutlets with Lemon — Greek
• Sheet-Pan Greek Chicken with Potatoes — Greek
• Greek Chicken and Rice Skillet — Greek
• Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Roasted Broccolini — Italian
• Crispy Lemon-Oregano Chicken Thighs — Greek

Keep reading: what citrus, umami, sourness mean in the flavor lexicon · the world's cuisines, by flavor.

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Every number above is Palate's engine-measured estimate, computed from this recipe's ingredients and techniques — not human-tasted ratings or reviews.