Is Orzo the Same as Risoni?

Yes, risoni and orzo are the same thing

Yes, orzo is just pasta. It's a short pasta that is shaped like rice.

No. Orzo is pasta that is made from flour. However, you can buy gluten-free products that are similar to orzo, like Banza "Rice" made from chickpeas .

Can I make this recipe using a full pound of orzo?

Yes. For a full pound of orzo (about 2 1/2 cups dry) add 3 1/2 cups water and use the same cooking time.

Instant Pot Orzo

Name: Instant Pot Orzo
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 7 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cups orzo (12.5 ounces); 3 ¼ cups water; ¼ teaspoon salt (a generous ¼ teaspoon)

Instant Pot Orzo

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Perfectly cooked Instant Pot® orzo cooks in just 2 minutes! You really only need orzo, water and salt to make this recipe. But if you want the orzo to have more flavor, then add the olive oil and garlic.

Read the blog post above for recipes and ideas that turn Instant Pot orzo into an easy family dinner.

Total Instant Pot Cooking Time: 5 minutes to reach pressure + 2 minutes at high pressure + quick release

Author: Jenny Meier | Kitchen Skip blog
Prep Time: 5
Cook Time: 2
Total Time: 7 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Category: pasta
Method: Instant Pot
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups orzo (12.5 ounces)
3 1/4 cups water
1/4 teaspoon salt (a generous 1/4 teaspoon)

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Instructions

Heat the olive oil using the Saute function on the Instant Pot. I like to saute using the “normal” setting instead of the default “more” setting so that the garlic won’t burn. (Read the notes below to learn how to change the heat setting)
Add the garlic, and saute about 30 seconds.
Add the orzo and mix well to coat in oil. For more flavor, lightly toast the orzo by sautéing it for 3 to 5 minutes, so that the orzo is lightly toasted. Some pieces will turn a darker color, make sure to stir frequently to prevent burning.
Add the water, stirring well to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
Lock lid in place.
Program the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 2 minutes.
Quick release the pressure immediately when the cooking time is complete.
Stir the orzo with a spatula, loosening any pieces that have stuck to the bottom. The orzo will be just a little watery and have a soft but slightly firm texture.
Turn off the Instant pot and let the orzo sit for another 3 to 5 minutes with the lid set back on until the pasta has fully absorbed the water and has the texture you want.
Scoop the orzo out of the Instant Pot into a serving bowl so it doesn't keep cooking in the residual heat. Add more salt to taste if needed.
From here, you can serve the orzo with just grated cheese, or read the blog post above for other serving ideas. You can also chill the orzo and turn it into a cold pasta salad.

Notes

If you'd like to make plain orzo, skip the olive oil and garlic and simply combine orzo, water and salt. Then follow the same cooking time and instructions.

If you'd like to make a full pound of orzo (about 2 1/2 cups dry) then add 3 1/2 cups water.

This recipe is made in a 6-quart Instant Pot.

How to Adjust the Instant Pot Saute Heat: There are 3 levels of heat when you saute in the Instant Pot: More, Normal and Less. I often find that the setting for "More" heat is too hot, and whatever I'm sauteing burns to the bottom of the pot. To adjust the saute heat, first press the Saute button, then press the "Adjust" button to move the red light under "Normal" or "Less."

Find it online: https://www.kitchenskip.com/instant-pot-orzo/