Quick And Easy Spring Vegetable Orzo Food

SPRING VEGETABLE ORZO WITH BROAD BEANS, PEAS, ARTICHOKES & RICOTTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil and cook the orzo following pack instructions until al dente. Drain, then immediately plunge into cold water to halt the cooking.
• Halve the lemon, then cut the tips from the artichokes with a serrated knife and strip away the tough outer leaves. Pare away any tough bits from the bases, and trim the stalks to about 5cm, peeling away the outer skins to reveal the white cores. Quarter the artichokes, scooping out the hairy chokes, then halve each quarter. Transfer to a bowl and squeeze over the juice from half the lemon, tossing to coat.
• Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed frying pan over a medium heat and fry the potatoes, spring onions, garlic and artichokes, stirring for 5-6 mins until the potatoes are starting to brown. Add the mint sprig, wine and 500ml water, then season, cover and simmer for 12-15 mins until the potatoes and artichokes are tender. Add the broad beans and peas and cook for 2 mins more until tender but still retaining their bright colour. Remove the pan from the heat. Drain the orzo and stir into the pan with the chopped mint and most of the lemon zest, then leave to stand for a couple of minutes so the orzo can absorb the flavours. Taste for seasoning and adjust the salt, and squeeze over the remaining lemon half, if you think it needs it.
• Dish into warmed bowls and top with spoonfuls of the ricotta. Scatter over the crushed pink peppercorns and the remaining lemon zest, then grate over some pecorino to serve.

QUICK AND EASY SPRING VEGETABLE ORZO

Steps:

• Melt butter in a large heavy saucepan.
• Sauté onions and mushrooms until tender but not browned.
• Add orzo and stir to coat.
• Add carrots, peas and broth. Bring to boil and cook until orzo is tender, about 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan and cover.
• Let rest 5-8 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and season with salt and pepper.

VERY GREEN ORZOTTO

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat until hot, then add the green onions and saute until softened, about a minute. Add the garlic and chile flakes and saute for 30 seconds.
• Add the orzo, salt and pepper to the pan and toss to coat the grains, a minute or two. Add the warmed broth and gently stir. Allow the broth to come to a simmer, then cook for 5 minutes.
• Add the asparagus, broccolini, zucchini and peas. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes. Add the kale, Parmesan and lemon zest and give it a good stir, then allow to cook for another 2 minutes.
• Add the herbs and stir to combine. Serve in bowls topped with Parmesan and additional herbs.

QUICK AND EASY ORZO

Steps:

• Cook orzo according to package directions.
• While it is cooking, drain and chop artichokes and place in large bowl.
• When orzo is cooked, drain and pour over the artichokes.
• Add Parmesan cheese.
• Swirl 2 tablespoons olive oil over pasta mixture.
• Add 2 tablespoons capers.
• Toss together until well mixed.

VEGETABLE ORZO

Steps:

• Cook orzo in chicken broth until tender (add water if necessary).
• Sauté the the vegetables in butter until tender adding the garlic near the end to prevent burning.
• This is where I usually add a little salt and fresh cracked pepper.
• Drain the orzo and combine with the cooked vegetables and add the chopped parsley.
• The heat of the other ingredients will wilt the parsley.
• Stir in the juice of the 1/2 lemon and olive oil if desired.
• Serve with grated Parmesan.
• Enjoy.