Orzo Pilaf With Sun Dried Tomatoes Saffron Recipes

ORZO WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATOES

Steps:

• Cook 1 cup orzo as the label directs. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup cooking water. Toss the orzo and cooking water with 2 cups baby arugula, 1/4 cup each chopped sun-dried tomatoes (not oil-packed) and parmesan, 2 tablespoons butter and 1 teaspoon lemon zest; season with salt and pepper.

SAFFRON ORZO

Steps:

• Cook 1 minced shallot in 2 tablespoons olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add 1 cup orzo and cook, stirring, until toasted, 3 to 5 minutes. Add 2 cups chicken broth, 1/2 teaspoon each saffron and kosher salt and 2 bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then stir and reduce to a simmer; cover and cook until the orzo is tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon butter and season with salt.

ORZO PILAF WITH MUSHROOMS, LEEKS AND SUN-DRIED TOMATOES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 8 x 8 x 2-inch glass baking dish with nonstick spray. Bring broth and tomatoes just to boil in heavy small saucepan. Remove from heat; let stand 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms, leeks and garlic. Cover skillet and cook until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally, about 12 minutes. Remove from heat. Mix in cooked orzo, basil, vinegar, tomatoes and broth. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to prepared dish; cover with foil.
• Bake pilaf until heated through, about 40 minutes. Serve hot.

ORZO SALAD WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATOES

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, cook pasta in boiling water until just tender, about 8 minutes.
• Drain.
• Place garlic, salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar into a food processor.
• Process well.
• Add oil, process briefly until well blended.
• Pour over orzo while pasta is still warm.
• Add tomatoes to pasta along with olives and chopped parsley.
• Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
• Toss again and adjust seasonings, if necessary.
• Serve immediately, or refrigerate for later use (can be made earlier in the day).
• Best served at room temperature.