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Ingredient substitute

What can you use instead of orzo (şehriye)?

Broken vermicelli (şehriye), Fideo or capellini broken small and Ditalini or small pasta are the easiest swaps. Below: 4 options with the right amount to use, what changes in the dish and which diets they suit.

Orzo (şehriye) on the left, broken vermicelli (şehriye) on the right

The quick answer

Broken vermicelli (şehriye). Use the same amount. What Turkish cooks actually use for şehriyeli pilav.

Adjust: Toast in butter until golden before adding rice.

  1. Broken vermicelli (şehriye)

    Drop-in swap

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    What Turkish cooks actually use for şehriyeli pilav.

    Flavor
    Toasty.
    Texture
    Thin, short strands.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Toast in butter until golden before adding rice.
    Best for
    Pilaf, Soups

    vegan

  2. Fideo or capellini broken small

    Drop-in swap

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Easy supermarket swap.

    Flavor
    Neutral.
    Texture
    Thin.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Break into 1/2-inch bits.
    Best for
    Pilaf, Soups

    vegan

  3. Ditalini or small pasta

    Small adjustment

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Chunkier bite.

    Flavor
    Neutral.
    Texture
    Chewier.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Check package cook time.
    Best for
    Soups

    vegan

  4. Rice (small amount)

    Changes flavor or texture

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Skip the pasta when needed.

    Flavor
    Neutral.
    Texture
    Chewier.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Use the same total rice quantity.
    Best for
    Pilaf

    vegan · gluten free

Common questions

What is the best substitute for orzo (şehriye)?

Broken vermicelli (şehriye) is the closest swap. Use the same amount. What Turkish cooks actually use for şehriyeli pilav.

What is a vegan substitute for orzo (şehriye)?

Good vegan options are Broken vermicelli (şehriye), Fideo or capellini broken small, Ditalini or small pasta and Rice (small amount).

What is a gluten-free substitute for orzo (şehriye)?

Good gluten-free options are Rice (small amount).

How much should I use instead of orzo (şehriye)?

It depends on the swap. Broken vermicelli (şehriye): Use the same amount. Fideo or capellini broken small: Use the same amount. Ditalini or small pasta: Use the same amount.

Recipes that use orzo (şehriye)

Scale it to your recipe

Enter the amount you need and the substitution tool works out the exact quantity. Or ask the chef how the swap will change your dish.

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