Other forms: orzos
Orzo is a small pasta shaped like a large grain of rice or pearled barley. While orzo was invented in Italy, this type of pasta is called risoni, or "large rice," in that country, a type of pastina, "tiny pasta."
If you order orzo in Italy, you'll get barley, which is the literal translation of the Italian word. But in English, orzo refers only to the pasta, which resembles barley and rice, but is neither: It's made from wheat flour. However, this little grain-shaped pasta is often substituted for rice or barley in recipes. Because it is so small, it cooks quickly, and when cooked, it has a firm, chewy texture. This versatile little pasta may be added to soups, salads, or stuffings.