Tea-Scented Orzo

KateL's Note:

Entered for safe-keeping. From First, 1/26/09. Suggested with meal of Minted Gremolata Halibut, Tomato-Thyme Roasted Squash or Zucchini with Fennel, and Feta-Stuffed Cucumber Salad.

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

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 3 honey-and-lemon-flavored green tea bags , like Tetley
• 1 ½ cups orzo pasta , like Barilla
• ½ cup raisins
• ½ cup pine nuts , toasted
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 scallion , chopped
• salt , to taste
• pepper , to taste

Directions:

1. In 3-quart saucepot, bring 2 quarts water to a boil. Remove from heat.
2. Add tea bags to boiling water. Cover and steep 5 minutes.
3. Squeeze tea bags to extract excess liquid; discard tea bags.
4. Return green tea to a boil. Add orzo; cook 9 minutes or until orzo is tender, adding raisins during last minute of cooking.
5. Drain orzo-raisin mixture.
6. In bowl, combine orzo mixture, toasted pine nuts, olive oil and chopped scallion.
7. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Reviews

[Elmotoo]

This was niiiiice!!!! Nobody is going to jump up & say, "wow, tis tastes like tea!" but it has a nice subtle flavor and the rest of the ingredients make for a nice pilaf-y dish. We all enjoyed it tremendously. Even mom who said, "what is orzo?" Made for the 7/09 Veg*n Swap.