Weekday menu planning no longer starts with a center-of-the-plate animal protein. These days, pasta, grain, legume and vegetable dishes, previously relegated to “sides,” motivate many a dinner.

Sure, we still enjoy roast chicken, steaks, chops and more. We just eat fewer animal proteins and eat them less often. As much for health reasons, environmental concerns and economic advantages, as for the vast variety of grains and vegetables that contribute to any meal.

Consider the myriad possibilities when you select pasta, rice or grains as the basis for dinner: Sauced or not, strewn with vegetables and herbs, scattered with modest bits of shredded meat or fish, topped with toasted nuts or onions for crunch. You see what I mean.

When the school week dictated our mealtimes, dinner often started with a skillet of boxed, seasoned rice and pasta. You know, the San Francisco treat. Today, I prefer to start with a flavorful rice, such as basmati or jasmine and add toothsome orzo pasta for its texture and small contribution of protein and fiber. Alternatively, swap the orzo with protein-packed quinoa (rinsed before adding to pan), or fiber rich tiny Le Puy lentils. Pearled barley or farro are other ideas.

Saute the rice and orzo (or its substitute) with onion in butter and oil to add flavor and to create a pilaf-style texture (fluffy not gummy) in the final dish. Then add the broth (less than most packages direct) and seasonings. After the mixture comes to a boil; reduce the heat to as low as possible and cover the pan tightly. Resist the urge to open the lid; the rice and pasta need the condensing water.

While the mixture cooks, prepare your add-ins, such as diced cooked vegetables, shredded cooked chicken or browned ground meat, a handful of chopped tomatoes and a sprinkling of green onions. Keep it meatless if desired and consider adding sautéed tofu or chunks of cheese. Stir the warm or room temperature add-ins into the hot rice and pasta when its cooked and then serve.

Here are some flavor combinations to add to your next bowl of rice and pasta:

Admittedly, the following recipe, littered with fresh herbs and lemon, makes a great side to a fall roast, sauteed chicken breast or fish fillet, or a grilled chop.

Rice and Pasta with Lemon and Dill

Makes 4 servings

Note: To turn this dish into a main course for four, stir in about 3 cups cooked diced or shredded meat or vegetables. Or, stir in 1 1/2 cups cooked lentils. Add 1/2 to 1 cup shredded or diced cheese if desired.

1 tablespoon each: butter, vegetable oil

1/2 small onion, finely chopped

1 1/2 cups basmati or jasmine rice

1/2 cup orzo pasta (or Le Puy lentils, rinsed quinoa or farro)

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or crushed

2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

1/2 teaspoon salt (use 1/4 teaspoon if using regular chicken broth)

Grated rind and juice of 1 small lemon

1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh dill fronds

For serving:

About 3 cups cooked meat or vegetable add-ins, optional

1. Heat butter and oil in a medium-size saucepan over medium heat until butter is melted. Add onion, rice and orzo (or its substitute). Cook and stir until rice is opaque and onion is softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute.

2. Stir in broth and salt. Heat to boil, then reduce heat to very low. Cover tightly and simmer, without lifting the lid, until rice is tender, 15 to 17 minutes. Remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes.

3. Stir in lemon rind, lemon juice and dill. Fluff with a fork. Stir in add-ins if using. Serve hot.

(JeanMarie Brownson is a James Beard Award-winning author and the recipient of the IACP Cookbook Award for her latest cookbook, “Dinner at Home.” JeanMarie, a chef and authority on home cooking, Mexican cooking and specialty food, is one of the founding partners of Frontera Foods. She co-authored three cookbooks with chef Rick Bayless, including “Mexico: One Plate at a Time.” JeanMarie has enjoyed developing recipes and writing about food, travel and dining for more than four decades.)

©2024 JeanMarie Brownson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.