RECIPE: REC: Orzo with Roasted Vegetables- this is an excellent "do ahead" .

RECIPE:

cynupstateny

Well-known member
The flavors meld perfectly. I made this two days in advance and added the toasted pine nuts, basil and feta at the last minute. Dress the salad right after the orzo is drained and it will absorb the dressing.

Copyright 2001 Barefoot Contessa Parties!, All rights reserved

This recipe is a slight variation of a wonderful summer dish invented by Sarah Leah Chase in her book, The Open House Cookbook.

Orzo with Roasted Vegetables

1 small eggplant, peeled and 3/4-inch diced

1 red bell pepper, 1-inch diced

1 yellow bell pepper, 1-inch diced

1 red onion, peeled and 1-inch diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/3 cup good olive oil

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 pound orzo or rice-shaped pasta

For the dressing:

1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)

1/3 cup good olive oil

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

To assemble:

4 scallions, minced (white and green parts)

1/4 cup pignolis (pine nuts), toasted

3/4 pound good feta, 1/2-inch diced (not crumbled)

15 fresh basil leaves, cut into julienne

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Toss the eggplant, bell peppers, onion, and garlic with the olive oil, salt, and pepper on a large sheet pan. Roast for 40 minutes, until browned, turning once with a spatula.

Meanwhile, cook the orzo in boiling salted water for 7 to 9 minutes, until tender. Drain and transfer to a large serving bowl. Add the roasted vegetables to the pasta, scraping all the liquid and seasonings from the roasting pan into the pasta bowl.

For the dressing, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper and pour on the pasta and vegetables. Let cool to room temperature, then add the scallions, pignolis, feta, and basil. Check the seasonings, and serve at room temperature.

Recipe Summary

Difficulty: Easy

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

 
Cyn, Did you see the post earlier on Sarah Leah Chase that I posted. Luv her recipes. Will..

try to find the post number and will edit.

See Post 8211 for Her Cranberry Butter Recipe and Post 8212 celebrating the 20th Anniversary of her Cookbook.

 
I make this recipe all the time...it is awesome! Did not know it was Ina's

and I have that cookbook! Good Grief!
I love the lemon flavor and even those who do not like eggplant, but wish they did, this recipe is a great first try!

 
Yes, 6 Amanda. It's at the bottom of the post. But I have made this

from the Barefoot Contessa cookbook that I have and I half it and the two of us eat it with 3 meals. I don't know, the portions just seem over the top to me.

 
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