Spinach And Basil Orzo Food

ORZO WITH SPINACH AND TOMATOES

Steps:

• Pile spinach leaves in stacks 1 on top of the other. Thinly slice stacks of leaves to make spinach confetti. Pile shredded spinach into the bottom of a medium sized mixing bowl. Halve grape or cherry tomatoes with a paring knife and add them to the mixing bowl. Add the zest of 2 lemons to the bowl and save the lemons in the refrigerator to juice for another recipe. Add hot cooked and drained orzo pasta to the mixing bowl. The heat of the pasta will wilt the spinach and warm the tomatoes at the bottom of the bowl and get the juices flowing from veggies. The heat of the pasta will also release the flavor and oils in the lemon zest. Drizzle 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil over the pasta and toss to combine the veggies and orzo. Add basil and salt and pepper and toss to combine. Taste your orzo to adjust seasonings and serve.

SPINACH AND ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and rinse with cold water. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in spinach, feta, onion, pine nuts, basil and white pepper. Toss with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Refrigerate and serve cold.

SPINACH PARMESAN ORZO

Steps:

• In a wide saute pan, heat olive oil and add garlic, saute 1-2 minutes over medium heat until limp. Add roughly chopped spinach, salt and pepper, cover and cook 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Place spinach mixture in blender and puree until smooth. Reserve.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add orzo and stir gently. Cook 4-7 minutes checking occasionally. The pasta should be firm but cooked through. Coat a large flat pan with olive oil and have ready. Strain orzo through a large strainer shaking off excess water. Immediately spread hot pasta out on the tray for a minute or two to cool slightly and release as much steam from the orzo as possible. Toss orzo with spinach puree and grated cheese and serve immediately.

SPINACH ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain ozo; rinse with cold water and drain well., In a large bowl, combine spinach, onion, cheese and orzo. Mix vinaigrette, basil and pepper; toss gently with spinach mixture. Refrigerate until serving. Stir in pine nuts just before serving.

CREAMY ORZO WITH SPINACH SALAD

Steps:

• Cook orzo as directed on package; drain. Place in large bowl.
• Add spinach; mix lightly.
• Stir in remaining ingredients.

ONE-PAN ORZO WITH SPINACH AND FETA

Steps:

• Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium, then melt butter, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir in about three-quarters of the scallions (saving some of the green parts for garnish) and garlic, and cook until softened, stirring frequently, about 3 minutes.
• Stir in spinach, adding in batches if it doesn't all fit in the pan at once, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until spinach is wilted, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in stock and bring to a simmer. Stir in orzo, lemon zest and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until orzo is nearly cooked through and most of the liquid is absorbed, 10 to 14 minutes, stirring once or twice.
• Stir in cheese, peas (if you like) and dill, cover the pan, and cook for another 1 minute, to finish cooking and warm the peas. To serve, sprinkle with more cheese and the reserved scallions.