Toasted Orzo With Peas, Onion and Bacon

Submitted by Dancer

"Toasting the orzo really makes this dish. It gives it a nutty flavour, very nice."

 

• Ready In: 45mins
• Ingredients: 5
• Serves: 4-6

ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups orzo pasta (rice-shaped pasta)
• 1 1⁄4 cups chopped onions
• 5 slices bacon, chopped
• 3 1⁄4 cups chicken broth (or more)
• 1 1⁄2 cups frozen peas, thawed

directions

1. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Add orzo and stir until beginning to color, about 10 minutes.
3. Transfer orzo to small bowl.
4. Add onion and bacon to same skillet.
5. Sauté until bacon browns and onion is tender, about 15 minutes.
6. Add 3 1/4 cups broth and orzo and bring to boil.
7. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until broth is absorbed and orzo is tender, about 18 minutes.
8. Mix in peas.
9. Add more broth if mixture is dry.
10. Cover and cook until peas are just warmed through, about 2 minutes.
11. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.

Reviews

[Gaia22]

This was a solid, simple recipe that was still a lot of fun to make. Toasting the orzo was almost theraputic (the stirring). Tasted great and I would definitely make this again. Leftovers reheat very nicely and are really tasty. I did sub veggie stock (as that's what i had) for the chix stock. Also, I deglazed the pan with the broth before I added all of it & the orzo in to loosen the yummy browned bits from the bacon/onion saute! I think next time I might add a few less peas and begin browning the bacon by itself a few minutes before the onions are put in for some extra crispiness - but these are personal preferences only and the recipe works as is. Great addition to my anyday cookbook. Thanks for sharing this with us Dancer^!