10 Delicious Orange Recipes to Brighten Your Day

Oranges are not just for juicing or peeling and eating; they're a versatile fruit that can bring a burst of flavor to a wide array of dishes. From savory to sweet, the bright and zesty profile of oranges can elevate any recipe. Here, we present 10 delightful orange recipes that are sure to brighten your day. Whether you're looking for a zestful start to your morning, a refreshing dessert, or a savory twist for dinner, these recipes will make your kitchen come alive with the fresh taste of orange.

1. Orange and Rosemary Roasted Chicken

Combine the classic flavors of rosemary and chicken with the tangy sweetness of oranges. This dish is simple to prepare but offers a sophisticated taste:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
• 3 oranges, zested and juiced
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Mix the orange zest, juice, rosemary, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make a marinade.
3. Rub the mixture inside and over the chicken, stuffing some under the skin if possible.
4. Place the chicken in a roasting pan with sliced oranges and rosemary sprigs underneath.
5. Roast for about 1 hour 15 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

2. Orange Crème Brûlée

A twist on the classic French dessert, infusing orange zest into the rich custard:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¹⁄₄ cup sugar (plus extra for brûlée topping)
• 4 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Boil water for a water bath.
2. Heat the cream with the orange zest, not letting it boil. Let it steep for 10 minutes.
3. Whisk egg yolks with sugar until light and frothy. Stir in the cream mixture and vanilla.
4. Pour into ramekins and place them in a baking dish. Pour hot water into the dish to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until just set. Cool, then chill for at least 2 hours.
6. Sprinkle sugar on top and caramelize with a kitchen torch or under the broiler.

3. Orange, Spinach, and Feta Salad

This refreshing salad combines sweet orange segments with savory feta and spinach:

• 2 navel oranges, peeled and sliced
• 5 oz baby spinach
• ¹⁄₂ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¹⁄₄ cup sliced almonds, toasted
• For the Dressing: ¹⁄₄ cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss spinach, orange slices, feta, and almonds together.
2. Whisk together the dressing ingredients and drizzle over the salad just before serving.

🍊 Note: To make this dish even more vibrant, consider adding slices of avocado or some thinly sliced red onion for an extra layer of flavor and color.

4. Orange-Scented French Toast

Start your day with a zesty twist to the classic French toast:

• 4 thick slices of challah or brioche
• 1 cup milk
• 3 eggs
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar and maple syrup for serving

Instructions:

1. Whisk milk, eggs, orange zest, sugar, and vanilla together in a bowl.
2. Soak bread slices in the mixture for about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Cook on a preheated greased griddle until golden brown on both sides.
4. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar and warm maple syrup.

5. Orange and Almond Polenta Cake

This gluten-free delight is moist and flavorful:

• 1 cup fine polenta or cornmeal
• 1 cup ground almonds
• 1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons baking powder
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• ¹⁄₂ cup olive oil
• ¹⁄₂ cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• Orange slices for decoration

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake tin.
2. Mix dry ingredients together. In another bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, oil, juice, and zest until smooth.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed.
4. Pour batter into the cake tin, decorate with orange slices, and bake for about 45-50 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.

6. Orange Glazed Carrots

Transform humble carrots into a side dish that’s both beautiful and tasty:

• 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or rounds
• ¹⁄₄ cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the carrots in salted water until almost tender, then drain.
2. In a pan, melt butter and stir in honey, orange juice, and zest.
3. Add carrots to the pan and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until glazed, about 5 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

In the end, these orange recipes offer a spectrum of flavors that can elevate both simple and complex dishes. By incorporating the zest, juice, and even the whole fruit, you can add a touch of brightness to your meals. Experimenting with oranges in both sweet and savory contexts will expand your culinary repertoire, making every day a little bit brighter with the invigorating aroma and taste of this citrus star. From breakfast treats to elegant dinners, the versatility of oranges ensures they have a place in every kitchen, enhancing any dish with their vibrant citrus notes.

How do I choose the best oranges for cooking?

+

Look for oranges that are firm, heavy for their size, and have a bright, uniform color. They should also have a strong, pleasant fragrance. For cooking, navel oranges or Valencia oranges are generally recommended due to their sweet and balanced flavor.

Can I substitute orange zest with juice in recipes?

+

While you can use orange juice for flavor, zest contains more concentrated oils and flavor. If substituting, you might need to use more juice to achieve similar results, but the intensity of the citrus will be less.

What are some other fruits that pair well with orange in recipes?

+

Oranges pair well with many fruits including:

• Berries like strawberries and blueberries for desserts
• Citrus cousins like lemon or grapefruit for a tart contrast
• Tropical fruits like mango or pineapple for a summery twist

Is it possible to make these orange recipes vegan?

+

Yes, many of these recipes can be adapted for a vegan diet. Substitute butter with a plant-based spread or oil, use dairy-free milk for custards, and replace eggs with commercial egg replacers or a mix of flaxseeds and water.

How can I ensure my orange-flavored dishes retain their vibrant color?

+

To preserve the vibrant color of orange in dishes, avoid overcooking or overheating. Also, adding a small amount of citric acid or lemon juice can help stabilize the color, preventing it from dulling during cooking.