Oodles Of Orzo

Orzo is one of of the most versatile and probably the most fun pastas out there. You can do so much with it from creating a tangy salad to a traditional pasta dish.It's also a perfect side subbing in for rice too.There are a dozens of good hot and cold recipes for this centuries old treat.

Orzo's name comes from the Latin word for barley, hordeum, , named such for its' small grain like shape. Primarliy used in Italy , it is also seen in Greek and Middle Eastern cuisines.It is cooked more or less for nine or ten minutes in boiling salted water, cooked similar to any pasta. Orzo is most versatile in soup and you can easily sub it in for any shells used in minestrone or pasta e fagiole. A different spin on it is Greek chicken soup made with a squirt of lemon. Also a good sick day soup is any broth, whether beef,chicken or even vegetable  with orzo and butter thrown in. As a pasta dish serve with any sauce  although rich pomodoro or tomato tastes the best with it.

Orzo is a great salad base and can go with any mix of vegetables and spices.An easy one is combining orzo with grape tomatoes and feta cheese crumbles. Season with oregano for added zing. Another saladis combing cucumbers,, vine ripe tomatoes  along with garbanzo beans and shredded basil. For a fun tailgate party treat make an orzo salad with crab meat along with Roma tomatoes,  two kind s of bell peppers and the zing of hot pepper. You can also  just make a simple chicken and orzo salad with just an easy red wine vinaigrette mixed in. This would be a  perfect Sunday brunch dish, served with pita bread.

Orzo is one of the most versatile pastas out there. You can have it in soul satisfying soup or pasta after a hard day at work.It can be a fun side at any fall party. It's easy to use and fun for creating different and tasty dishes.