Can You Substitute Pearl Couscous For Orzo?

Farro has a bit more of a nutty, deeper flavor than orzo, but works fine as a healthy substitute for orzo in soups, orzo salads and cold side dishes. 13. Cauliflower Rice Cauliflower rice is light and fluffy in texture (similar to couscous) and works well to replace orzo in cooked dishes such casseroles, and hot main dishes. 14. Lentils

Most couscous is made from semolina flour, just like orzo, so it has a similar flavor profile. Typical couscous is smaller than orzo, however if you want more of an orzo-like texture, opt for a larger version like pearl couscous.

Due to its creamy texture, arborio is ideal in risotto, rice pudding, and other desserts that require more starch. If you’re using arborio as a substitute for orzo in soup, make sure not to add too much, since it will thicken the liquid.

Orzo is a type of “pastina” which means “little pasta” in English. You’ll notice that the replacements we’ve chosen are mostly quite small, perfect for bulking up soupy meals. The ingredients on this list are all happy to let the other ingredients take center stage, as opposed to a pasta like spaghetti or farfalle which are the focus of the dish.