Shrimp and Vegetables Orzo

Orzo, a kind of pasta that looks like grains of rice, always fascinates me for its look and versatility. You can treat it like pasta and use it in soup, salad, or just cook it with your favorite pasta sauce; or you can treat it like rice and make pilaf or dish similar to risotto.

Orzo with shrimp and some seasonal vegetables is one comforting dish that is simple to whip off and full of flavors. Not a fan of seafood, just replace shrimp with some boneless chicken pieces or just skip the protein altogether to make a vegetarian version. Want to make a vegan version, use tofu instead of shrimp and substitute the parmesan with your choice of vegan cheese or it tastes equally well without any cheese at all.

Shrimp-Vegetables Orzo

Ingredients:

Orzo pasta (uncooked) – 2 cups

Onion, chopped – 1 small

Garlic cloves, minced - 2

Raw Shrimp, peeled and deveined– 250gm

Choice of Vegetables:

Peas – ½ cup

Asparagus, cut into medium pieces – ½ cup

Bell Pepper – 1/4cup

Cherry Tomato – ½ cup

Parsley leaves/Basil, chopped – 2tbsp

Italian Herb Mix - 1tsp.

Lemon Juice – 2tbsp.

Salt and Pepper to taste

Parmesan Cheese, grated – 1/2cup (optional)

Olive Oil – 2tbsp.

Process:

1. Cook orzo according to packet instructions. Drain* and set aside**. Do not discard the cooking water.

2. Heat oil in a pan and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 sec and then add chopped onion. Cook for a min until onion is soft and translucent.

3. Add the vegetables*** and fry for 1-2 mins. Add the shrimps. Once shrimp turn pink, add salt, pepper, and herb mix.

4. Add cooked orzo and mix very well. Add few tablespoons of water**** that you saved and cook for few minutes.

5. If using, add the grated parmesan cheese with the orzo and stir well. Finish off with some chopped parsley.

Notes:

* Always save some pasta water while you drain the pasta. I use some of this water to give the pasta a creamy texture.

** Add 1tbsp. of oil with cooked orzo and mix well. This will prevent pasta from being sticky.

*** Use your choice of vegetables or what is available to you. Some good choices are beans, peppers, zucchini, peas, mushrooms, etc.

**** If you want, you can use some chicken/vegetables broth instead of water at this stage.