Toasted Sesame Orzo Recipes

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.

TOASTED ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• 1. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the orzo and cook, stirring, until golden, about 3 minutes. Add 3 cups water, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and the lemon zest and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes. Uncover and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.
• 2. Transfer the orzo to a large mixing bowl, remove the lemon zest and let cool about 10 minutes. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons oil, tomatoes, if using, feta cheese, parsley, capers, dill and lemon juice. Season with additional salt and pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature.

TOASTED ORZO WITH PEAS AND PARMESAN

Steps:

• Heat butter in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; add onion and salt and cook, stirring frequently, until onion has softened and is beginning to brown, about 5 minutes.
• Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Add orzo and cook, stirring frequently, until most of orzo is lightly browned and golden, 5 to 6 minutes.
• Turn off heat and add vermouth and chicken broth.
• Go back to medium-high heat and bring to boil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until all liquid has been absorbed and orzo is tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
• Gently stir in peas, cheese, nutmeg, and pepper to taste.
• Remove from heat and let it stand until peas are heated through, about 2 minutes.

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.

ROASTED VEGGIE ORZO

Steps:

• Place vegetables in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with seasonings; toss to coat. Bake at 400° until tender, 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally., Meanwhile, cook orzo according to package directions. Drain; transfer to a serving bowl. Stir in roasted vegetables. Sprinkle with cheese.

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.

TOASTED ORZO WITH OLIVES AND LEMON

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add orzo; cook, stirring, until golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Add 4 cups water and lemon zest, and season with salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; cover, and simmer until orzo is al dente and liquid is absorbed, 10 to 15 minutes (if orzo is cooked but liquid remains, cook uncovered to evaporate).
• Remove from heat. Stir in olives, parsley, remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, and lemon juice.

ROASTED VEGETABLE ORZO

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
• Place the zucchini, squash, onion, asparagus, and mushrooms in a large bowl; add in garlic, olive oil and sugar, and stir gently to coat vegetables. Spread vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Roast vegetables until tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Add bouillon cubes, wine, and orzo, and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain. Stir in roasted vegetables and Parmesan cheese, and serve warm.

TOASTED ORZO WITH PEAS, ONION AND BACON

Steps:

• Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
• Add orzo and stir until beginning to color, about 10 minutes.
• Transfer orzo to small bowl.
• Add onion and bacon to same skillet.
• Sauté until bacon browns and onion is tender, about 15 minutes.
• Add 3 1/4 cups broth and orzo and bring to boil.
• Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until broth is absorbed and orzo is tender, about 18 minutes.
• Mix in peas.
• Add more broth if mixture is dry.
• Cover and cook until peas are just warmed through, about 2 minutes.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.