Sesame Orzo With Charred Onions Food

TOASTED SESAME ORZO

Steps:

• Place sesame seeds in a small skillet. Cooke over medium heat until golden brown, stirring constantly. Set aside.
• Cook pasta according to directions, omitting salt. Drain and set aside.
• Melt margarine in medium skillet. Add spinach and garlic; cook over medium heat until spinach is wilted. Stir in milk, cheese, oregano, paprika, pepper and seeds; serve immediately.

SESAME ORZO WITH CHARRED SCALLIONS

Steps:

• In a dry small heavy skillet cook sesame seeds over moderate heat, stirring, until golden brown, about 4 minutes, and transfer to a bowl.
• In a 3-quart saucepan bring 2 quarts salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain orzo in a colander and rinse under cold water. Drain orzo well and add sesame seeds.
• In an 8-inch non-stick skillet heat oil over high heat until hot but not smoking and sauté scallions, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred and tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir scallion mixture into orzo and season with salt and pepper.

LIGHT AND REFRESHING SESAME ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Cook orzo pasta in boiling water for about 4 minutes.
• Rinse with cold water and drain.
• Place in a large bowl.
• In a liquid measuring cup with a spout, mix the dressing ingredients together.
• Slice the water chestnuts if they weren't presliced, and then cut the slices into quarters to make small pieces.
• Add these to the bowl with the pasta.
• Add the broccoli, onions, bell pepper, peas, carrots, and sprouts to the bowl, and mix gently but thoroughly.
• Add the dressing and mix again.
• Refrigerate several hours or overnight.
• Before serving, stir the salad up to remix it, and sprinkle sunflower kernals on top.
• Thinly slice the orange and then cut the slices in half.
• Stand these up around the edge of the bowl as a garnish.
• Serve cold or at room temperature.

ORZO SALAD WITH SESAME DRESSING

Steps:

• To make dressing: add all dressing ingredients to the container of an electric blender; process until smooth; set aside.
• Cook the orzo in boiling salted water to cover for about 8 minutes or until tender; drain, rinse, and drain again.
• In a mixing bowl, toss the orzo and 1 tablespoon sesame oil.
• Spoon half the orzo mixture into a large glass serving bowl; spread evenly.
• Top with half the carrot strips, raisins, and sunflower kernels.
• Repeat layers.
• Drizzle 1 cup Sesame Dressing over the top.
• Sprinkle the parsley and green onion evenly over the top.
• Serve with the remaining Sesame Dressing.