Tasty Spinach Orzo

Submitted by nmred

"Easy & delish, this has become a staple in our home. It tastes even better reheated the next day!"

 

• Ready In: 20mins
• Ingredients: 13
• Serves: 8

ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package uncooked orzo pasta
• 1⁄2 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons margarine
• 3 -4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1⁄2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup unsalted roasted sunflower seeds
• 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 (8 ounce) package crumbled feta (I use one with mediterranean herbs, but plain is OK too)
• 1 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• salt, to taste
• grated parmesan cheese, to taste

directions

1. Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook orzo according to package directions.
2. While orzo is cooking, heat olive oil and margarine in a saucepan. Add garlic, basil and red pepper flakes and saute' 2-3 minutes. Add sunflower seeds, cook for one minute. Add spinach and heat through. Keep spinach mixture warm.
3. Drain orzo & return to pot. Add spinach mixture, feta, chopped tomato, balsamic vinegar and salt. Mix well.
4. Serve with grated parmesan to sprinkle on top.

Reviews

[FiaNia]

I made this as a side to stuffed Salmon and it was wonderful!! I did substitute the sunflower seeds for about half as much toasted pine nuts and they fit in perfectly.