saffron orzo with asparagus

chia's Note:

a side dish for any occasion and any main course

• Total Time: 20 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/4 cups orzo pasta
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed saffron
• 1 lb thin asparagus, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus shavings for garnish
• salt & pepper

Directions:

1. heat butter in skillet, add orzo and stir.
2. add broth and saffron, bring to boil, cover, reduce heat to simmer, cook 8 minutes add asparagus, cover, cook 5 minutes more.
3. uncover and simmer until liquid is absorbed.
4. stir in parmesan cheese, salt, pepper.
5. serve in a bowl garnished with shavings.

Reviews

[Cindy Lynn]

Oh my...what's not to like about this recipe?! Not a thing that I can think of. DH and I recently saw orzo in the grocery store and never having had it before, we decided to buy a package and give it a try. We both love our home raised asparagus; chia sent me some saffron to give it a try and I just had to try it out in this. I am so very glad I did! I can't wait for asparagus season to begin again and the saffron crocuses Rita sent to produce...I plan to make this often! Thank you chia!

[sugarpea]

The perfect comfort food! I also make this dish without the asparagus. I like to stir it continuously the last 5 minutes of cooking time to get a really creamy texture.

[Q & A's Mom]

I made this for dinner last night and it was delicious. The combination of the asparagus and saffron was wonderful. Absolutely decadent. Thank you for posting.