Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 ounces sliced prosciutto, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup 1/4-inch-diced carrot
  • 1/4 cup 1/4-inch-diced red and green bell peppers, seeded and membrane removed
  • 1 small onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • Juice of 1/2 a lemon
  • 1 cup canned garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 cup sliced scallions
  • 2 tablespoons torn fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons torn fresh mint leaves

Method

  • Bring the oil to medium-high heat in a medium, heavy-bottomed pot with a tightly fitting lid.
  • Add the prosciutto and crisp until it is lightly golden and the fat renders, about 1 minute.
  • Add the carrots, peppers and onions and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  • Stir in the orzo and rice.
  • Toast until the grains are all evenly coated with oil, about 3 minutes.
  • Pour the broth and lemon juice into the same pot.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Add the garbanzos and bay leaf and stir to combine.
  • Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the orzo and rice are tender.
  • Remove from the heat once the liquid is fully absorbed, 12 to 15 minutes.
  • Let the pilaf stand, covered, for 5 full minutes.
  • Fluff with two forks, remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper.
  • Stir in the scallions and serve garnished with the basil and mint leaves.