Your guests will be thankful to find this delectable side dish sitting next to their turkey!
Ingredients
- 5 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided
- 1 c. panko bread crumbs
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped, divided
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 1/2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest, plus lemon wedges for serving
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lb. dried orzo (about 2 1/2 c.)
- 2 c. low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 c. whole milk
- 4 c. packed chopped curly or Tuscan kale leaves
- 3/4 c. finely shredded Parmesan, plus more for serving
- Step 1: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter. Add panko and cook, stirring frequently, until toasted, about 4 minutes. Add one-quarter of garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Scrape bread crumb mixture into a medium bowl. Stir in parsley and lemon zest; season with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Wipe out pot and return to medium heat. Cook orzo and remaining garlic and 2 tablespoons butter, stirring occasionally, until orzo is lightly toasted and garlic is fragrant, about 4 minutes. Add broth, milk, and 1 cup water; season with salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Reduce to heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring frequently and adding more water by the tablespoon if liquid is thickening too fast, until liquid is mostly absorbed and orzo is tender, 10 to 12 minutes.
- Step 3: Add kale and Parmesan and stir until kale is wilted and cheese is combined and melted, about 2 minutes; season with salt and pepper.
- Step 4: Divide orzo mixture among plates. Top with bread crumbs and more Parmesan. Serve with lemon wedges alongside.