Posts Tagged ‘ Orzo ’

Roasted Shrimp and Orzo
      Cook Time:      15 min
       Level:      Easy
       Yield:      6 servings

Prep
    20 min
Inactive Prep
    1 hr 0 min
Cook
    15 min
Total:
    1 hr 35 min

    * Kosher salt
    * Good olive oil
    * 3/4 pound orzo pasta (rice-shaped pasta)
    * 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (3 lemons)
    * Freshly ground black pepper
    * 2 pounds (16 to 18 count) shrimp, peeled and deveined
    * 1 cup minced scallions, white and green parts
    * 1 cup chopped fresh dill
    * 1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
    * 1 hothouse cucumber, unpeeled, seeded, and medium-diced
    * 1/2 cup small-diced red onion
    * 3/4 pound good feta cheese, large diced

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Fill a large pot with water, add 1 tablespoon of salt and a splash of oil, and bring the water to a boil. Add the orzo and simmer for 9 to 11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked al dente. Drain and pour into a large bowl. Whisk together the lemon juice, 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Pour over the hot pasta and stir well.

Meanwhile, place the shrimp on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to combine and spread out in a single layer. Roast for 5 to 6 minutes, until the shrimp are cooked through. Don’t overcook!

Add the shrimp to the orzo and then add the scallions, dill, parsley, cucumber, onion, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Toss well. Add the feta and stir carefully. Set aside at room temperature for 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend, or refrigerate overnight. If refrigerated, taste again for seasonings and bring back to room temperature before serving.

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slmetcal November 3rd, 2009      Comments Off

A very good friend of mine posted this on Facebook a few months ago.   I have made it at least a dozen times since then.   I think it gets better each time I make it.  Below is my version of the recipe.

Greek Orzo Stuffed Peppers

We steam brightly colored bell peppers in the microwave to save time and then stuff them with orzo, spinach, and feta. This basic recipe will work with almost any filling — try substituting different types of cheese, herbs, or beans. Serve with whole-wheat pita bread and cucumber salad.

Greek orzo stuffed peppers:
Total Time: 40 min

Prep Time: 40 min

Ingredients
    U.S.         Metric     Conversion chart

    * 4  yellow, orange, and/or red bell peppers
    * 1/2 cup(s) whole-wheat orzo
    * 1 can(s) (15-ounce) chickpeas, rinsed
    * 1 tablespoon(s) extra-virgin olive oil
    * 1  medium onion, chopped
    * 6 ounce(s) baby spinach, coarsely chopped
    * 1 tablespoon(s) chopped fresh oregano, or 1 teaspoon dried
    * 3/4 cup(s) crumbled sundried tomato basil feta cheese, divided
    * 1/4 cup(s) sun-dried tomatoes (not oil-packed), chopped
    * 1 tablespoon(s) roasted garlic red-wine vinegar
    * 1/4 teaspoon(s) garlic herb seasoning (no salt)

Directions

    * 1. Halve peppers lengthwise through the stems, leaving the stems attached.
     Remove the seeds and white membrane. Place the peppers cut-side down in a large microwave-safe dish.
     Add 1/2 inch water, cover, and microwave on high until the peppers are just softened, 7 to 9 minutes.
     Let cool slightly, drain, and set aside.
    * 2. Meanwhile, bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add orzo and cook until just tender,
    8 to 10 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
    * 3. Mash chickpeas into a chunky paste with a fork, leaving some whole.
    * 4. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until soft,
     about 4 minutes. Add spinach and oregano and cook, stirring, until the spinach is wilted, about 1 minute.
     Stir in the orzo, chickpeas, 1/2 cup feta, tomatoes, vinegar, and salt; cook until heated though,
    about 1 minute. Divide the filling among the pepper halves and sprinkle each pepper with some of the remaining
    1/4 cup feta.

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slmetcal July 25th, 2009      Comments Off