Broad Bean Pea Orzo Salad Recipes

BROAD BEAN, PEA & ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta following pack instructions, then drain and rinse under cold running water. Drain again. Cook the peas and beans in another pan of boiling water for 3 mins, before draining and cooling. Peel the beans, if you have time, and stir the vegetables through the pasta.
• Mix the soured cream, lemon juice and Parmesan, and season. Mix through the pasta then, just before serving, scatter with the lemon zest and basil.

ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Pour the broth into a heavy large saucepan. Cover the pan and bring the broth to a boil over high heat. Stir in the orzo. Cover partially and cook until the orzo is tender but still firm to the bite, stirring frequently, about 7 minutes. Drain the orzo through a strainer. Transfer the orzo to a large wide bowl and toss until the orzo cools slightly. Set aside to cool completely.
• Toss the orzo with the beans, tomatoes, onion, basil, mint, and enough vinaigrette to coat. Season the salad, to taste, with salt and pepper, and serve at room temperature.
• Mix the vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a blender. With the machine running, gradually blend in the oil. Season the vinaigrette, to taste, with more salt and pepper, if desired.
• Yield: 1 3/4 cups

MARY BERRY'S ORZO WITH BROAD BEANS, PEAS, LEMON, AND THYME

Steps:

• 1. Cook the orzo in boiling salted water according to the packet instructions (usually about 10 minutes) or until just cooked (see tip), then drain. Boil the broad beans and petits pois in a separate pan for 2-3 minutes, then drain and rinse. 2. Meanwhile, heat the butter and oil in a large frying pan, and when the butter has melted, add the onion and fry over a high heat for 2-3 minutes. Cover with a lid, then reduce the heat and cook gently for about 15 minutes or until soft. Add the garlic, turn up the heat and fry for 1 minute. 3. Stir in the crème fraîche, then add the cooked orzo, beans and peas and gently heat together. Add the thyme, lemon juice and zest and Parmesan, stir together and season to taste with salt and pepper. 4. Spoon into a serving dish and scatter with the pine nuts and grated Parmesan to serve. MARY'S EVERYDAY TIPS: Don't overcook the pasta as it will absorb the cream on standing and it shouldn't be too stodgy. Toast the pine nuts in a dry pan over a medium heat for 4-5 minutes, tossing frequently to ensure they don't burn. You could use ready-toasted pine nuts otherwise.