I love to cook. I love finding new recipes, trying new foods and enjoying meals with family and friends. Sometimes, I like to be a little sinful and create a delicious meal using some pre-made goodies from the grocery store. It's quick and easy on those nights that you just don't have it in you to take the time to prepare a time-consuming meal, but you still want something satisfying and delicious.
The thing that I love about his particular meal (besides how yummy it is) is that it can easily be adapted for one person or several people. It can be beefed up with some added protein, if necessary and it can also serve as a side dish for your favorite meat. This really is a versatile dish.
Ingredients:
- orzo pasta
- salt
- tomatoes
- fresh mozzarella (found in the specialty cheese case in my grocery store)
- prepared basil pesto (found near the fresh pasta in my grocery store)
Preparation:
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water. Add orzo and boil for about 8 minutes.
While the orzo is cooking, slice the tomatoes and place them in a large mixing bowl. Salt the tomatoes to taste and toss so the inner flesh of the tomatoes absorbs the salt.
Cut the fresh mozzarella into pieces about the same size as the tomatoes. Set aside.
When the orzo is done drain it well and add it to the bowl with the tomatoes. Add pesto to taste and mix. After the orzo has cooled down add the cheese and mix (this prevents the cheese from melting when you add it to the hot orzo).
When I am making this dish for only myself I generally measure 1/4 cup of dry orzo. If I were making this for 4 people I would use a full cup of dry orzo.
Usually I use grape tomatoes and slice them in half to make them easier to bite and also to expose the inner flesh which absorbs the salt better and adds great flavor to the dish.
If I have some fresh basil on hand I will add some to the top.