Orzo pasta, also known as rice-shaped pasta, is a popular ingredient used in many dishes like salads, soups, and casseroles. With its tiny size and versatility, many home cooks and professional chefs like keeping orzo stocked in their pantries. If you enjoy cooking with orzo, you may be wondering if you can find it at your local Stater Bros. supermarket. Here is a comprehensive look at whether Stater Brothers carries orzo pasta.
What is Orzo?
Orzo is a type of pasta that features rice-shaped pieces that are smaller than peppercorns. It originated in Italy and comes from the Italian word for “barley” which is “orzo.” The pasta pieces are available in sizes ranging from fine grains to large rounded shapes. When cooked, orzo has a chewy, al dente texture and neutral flavor that takes on the flavors of sauces, herbs, and other ingredients it is cooked with.
Some key features of orzo pasta include:
- Made from semolina flour or flour and eggs
- Small, rice-shaped pieces
- Ranging in size from fine grains to large rounded shapes
- Neutral taste that takes on flavors of other ingredients
- Cooks up al dente with a pleasant, chewy texture
Orzo makes an excellent addition to soups providing texture and helping soak up broth. It can also be used chilled in salads, baked into casseroles, or simmered in pasta sauces. Its small size means orzo cooks faster than larger pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni.
Orzo Pasta Varieties
There are a few different types of orzo pasta to be aware of including:
- Regular orzo: The most common type is made from semolina flour and water. It has a smooth, neutral flavor.
- Whole wheat orzo: For a healthy twist, whole wheat orzo provides more fiber and nutrients. It has a slightly nuttier, wheatier taste.
- Flavored orzo: Some versions contain added ingredients like spinach, tomato, or beet to provide extra flavor and color.
- Gluten-free orzo: Made from rice flour, corn flour or a blend, this allows people with gluten intolerances to enjoy orzo dishes.
The recipes and pasta dishes you can use orzo for will depend somewhat on the type you buy. Regular semolina orzo works for most applications. Whole wheat orzo can be substituted in any recipe but provides a different texture and taste. Flavored varieties are best used in simple preparations where you want the extra flavor and color to come through. And gluten-free orzo can open up cooking options for those with dietary restrictions.
Benefits of Cooking with Orzo
There are many reasons cooks and chefs adore orzo pasta. Here are some of the benefits of using this versatile ingredient:
- Easy to prepare – Orzo pasta is simple to make. Just boil in water for 7-9 minutes until al dente.
- Perfect size – The tiny pieces are great in soups or as a rice substitute in salads and sides. Kids love the fun shape too.
- Fast cooking – Because it is small, orzo cooks more quickly than many other pasta shapes.
- Works with any sauce – The mild flavor pairs well with creamy, tomato, pesto or herb sauces.
- Shelf stable – Dried orzo can be stored in the pantry until ready to use. It keeps for 1-2 years.
- Budget friendly – Orzo is typically an affordable pantry staple ingredient.
- Gluten-free options – People avoiding gluten can cook with specially made gluten-free orzo.
With all these advantages, it’s easy to see why many home cooks and professional chefs consider orzo a must-have ingredient. It handles a variety of cooking methods, works in many dishes, and has a pleasing texture.
Where to Buy Orzo Pasta
Orzo pasta can be purchased from most major supermarkets, grocery stores, warehouse clubs, and online retailers. Some common places to buy orzo include:
- Grocery store pasta aisle or bulk bins
- Big box stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, BJ’s
- Online from Amazon, Walmart, Target, grocery delivery services
- Specialty Italian markets or gourmet stores
- Health food stores for gluten-free or whole wheat varieties
National supermarket chains where you may find orzo pasta include Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway, Publix, H-E-B, and Winn Dixie among others. Check the dry pasta section, gourmet aisle, or bulk bins when shopping at your local market.
Does Stater Bros. Sell Orzo?
Stater Bros. Markets is a supermarkets chain with over 170 stores located throughout Southern California. The company was founded in 1936 and maintains its headquarters in San Bernardino, CA. Stater Bros. is a full-service supermarket carrying national brands and private label items across all departments.
After checking multiple Stater Bros. store locations, it appears that most do carry orzo pasta. Customers report purchasing orzo at Stater Bros. stores in cities like Redlands, Yucaipa, Palm Desert, and Ontario among other locations. The orzo is stocked in the dry pasta aisle along with other packaged pastas and Italian specialties.
Both national and Stater Bros. private label options for orzo seem to be available. For example, Stater Bros. sells its Farmer’s Best brand of orzo made from Semolina wheat flour. The orzo comes in 16 oz packages and is imported from Italy.
Other orzo products that may be available at Stater Bros. are:
- Barilla Orzo Pasta
- De Cecco Orzo Pasta
- Divella Orzo
- Ronzoni Superfine Orzo
In addition to regular orzo, some stores also carry whole wheat orzo, tri-color orzo, as well as gluten-free orzo options from brands like Barilla and Ronzoni. Availability may vary by location.
Stater Bros Orzo Pasta Prices
The price of orzo pasta at Stater Bros. seems to range from about $1.29 to $2.99 depending on brand, variety, and package size. Here are some example prices:
| Orzo Product | Package Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Farmer’s Best Orzo | 16 oz | $1.29 |
| Barilla Orzo | 16 oz | $1.99 |
| De Cecco Orzo | 16 oz | $2.49 |
| Barilla Gluten Free Orzo | 12 oz | $2.99 |
As you can see, prices range from just over $1 to around $3 depending on specifics like brand, size, and specialty options like gluten free. Deals and sales could lower prices further at certain times as well. Overall, Stater Bros. offers competitive pricing on orzo pasta.
How to Cook Orzo Pasta
Once you’ve purchased orzo from your local Stater Bros., you’ll want to know the best way to cook it. Here is a simple stovetop method for cooking basic orzo pasta:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups water or broth
- Pinch of salt
- Spices, herbs, sauce, protein, or vegetables (optional)
Instructions:
- Bring the water or broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add a pinch of salt.
- Add the orzo pasta and stir. Cook for 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once al dente, drain the orzo in a colander and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking.
- For a full dish, toss with sauce, herbs, meat, vegetables, etc. Or simply drizzle with oil and seasonings.
- Enjoy your orzo pasta hot or chilled in salads.
The beauty of orzo is how versatile it is. Feel free to get creative with mix-ins and seasonings. Sauteed vegetables, grilled chicken, shrimp, feta cheese, basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and roasted garlic all pair wonderfully.
For a more hands-off method, you can cook orzo in a rice cooker. Simply follow the water ratios for rice and use the regular cook settings. If reheating leftover orzo, add a splash of water or broth and heat in the microwave or saucepan while stirring.
Top Orzo Recipes and Dishes
Here are some delicious ways to use orzo once you have it on hand:
Orzo Salad Recipes
- Greek Orzo Salad – With feta, olives, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, lemon dressing
- Italian Orzo Salad – With salami, mozzarella, peppers, olives, Italian dressing
- Chicken Orzo Salad – Mixed with chicken, avocado, corn, zesty dressing
Orzo Soups
- Chicken Orzo Soup – Chicken broth base with carrots, celery, chicken
- Vegetable Orzo Soup – With tomatoes, zucchini, spinach, basil
- Beef and Orzo Soup – Ground beef, tomatoes, orzo, onions, seasonings
Orzo Sides Dishes
- Parmesan Orzo – Tossed with butter/oil, parmesan, parsley, lemon zest
- Pesto Orzo – Orzo with homemade or store-bought pesto
- Cheesy Orzo – Mix in cheddar, parmesan, Monterey jack cheeses
As you can see, an endless array of hot or cold dishes can be created with orzo pasta. It’s a pantry staple you’ll want to keep stocked for quick weeknight meals or impressive potluck sides.
Conclusion
In summary, most Stater Bros. supermarket locations do carry orzo pasta. It is stocked along with other dried Italian pastas in the specialty foods aisle. You can expect to pay around $1 to $3 depending on brand, size, and variety. Orzo makes a fantastic addition to soups, salads, sides, and entrée dishes. With its versatility and ease of cooking, it’s easy to see why home cooks and chefs love keeping orzo on hand. Next time you shop at Stater Bros., be sure to grab a box or two!