Orzo With Peas And Parsley Pesto Recipes

ORZO WITH PEAS AND PARSLEY PESTO

Steps:

• Make the pesto. Turn on a food processor fitted with the steel blade and drop in the garlic. When it is chopped and adhering to the sides of the bowl, stop the machine and scrape down the bowl. Alternatively, mash with a generous pinch of salt in a mortar and pestle. Add the parsley to the food processor (or to the mortar and pestle) and process until finely chopped (or grind to a paste in the mortar and pestle). With the machine running, add the olive oil in a slow stream and process until the mixture is smooth (or slowly work into the mixture using the mortar and pestle). Stop the machine, scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the cheese. Pulse to combine. Measure out 1/3 cup and refrigerate the rest in a covered container.
• Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil and add the orzo. Cook 5 minutes. Add the peas and continue to cook for another 4 minutes, until the orzo is cooked through but al dente. Add a ladleful of the cooking water to the pesto, then drain the orzo and peas and toss with the pesto. Serve, passing more Parmesan or Pecorino in a bowl.

PESTO ORZO WITH PEAS

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, cook orzo as directed on the package, adding the peas during the last 4 to 6 minutes of cooking time, cook until tender.
• Drain excess liquid. Add pesto and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve.
• Makes 5 (3/4 cup) servings.

ORZO WITH FRESH PEAS AND MINT PESTO

Steps:

• Combine first 6 ingredients in a food processor and pulse until almost smooth. With the machine running, slowly add the olive oil until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Place the orzo in a large bowl and combine with the pesto. Fold in the peas and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley.

ORZO WITH LEMON AND PARSLEY

Steps:

• For a version that is not quite so rich, you may omit the Parmesan cheese.
• In a large saucepan, bring 1 quart of water to a boil.
• Add the salt and orzo and cook until the orzo is tender and has absorbed almost all of the cooking liquid, 8 to 9 minutes.
• Stir in the butter, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest and juice and parsley.
• Serve immediately.