Orzo with Roasted Vegtables

You want me to eat that - yeah right! SOME of the baby buttas said that if they had taken one look at the orzo they would have politely refused - to many colors and to many veggies. This cooking class has really expanded our palates! It has really helped and encouraged the baby buttas to try new things when they know exactly what is going into each dish. This orzo dish was loved by all and we hope you will enjoy it as well!

Here is the recipe:
ORZO WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES


1 small eggplant, peeled and ¾ inch diced
1 red bell pepper, 1 inch diced
1 yellow pepper, 1 inch diced
1 medium onion, 1 inch diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup good olive oil
1 ½ tsp. kosher salt
½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
½ lb. orzo

For the dressing:

1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
1/3 cup good olive oil
1 tsp. kosher salt
½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

To assemble:

4 scallions, minced (white and green parts)
¼ cup pine nuts, toasted
¾ lb. good feta, ½ inch diced (not crumbled)
15 fresh basil leaves, cut into chiffenade

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Toss the eggplant, bell peppers, onion and garlic with the olive oil, salt and pepper on a large baking sheet. Roast for 40 minutes, until browned, turning once with a spatula.

Meanwhile, cook the orzo in boiling salted water for 7-9 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, pine nuts, feta and basil. Check the seasonings and serve at room temperature.




Orzo hot and fresh from the pot with the dressing added



Mixing all the ingredients together. BE CAREFUL during this step, be sure to lightly toss everything together and avoid mixing and mashing!!

This orzo is truly a meal within it self. We all agreed that it would be simply divine with shrimp or chicken. If you add meat, just marinate with dressing!