Baked Orzo Italiano

   

This is a wonderful recipe which uses orzo instead of rice or large pasta noodles.
 
Baked Orzo Italiano is very simple to make, only about 20 minutes prep work then 20 minutes in the oven. It is a great way to use up any peas since that is one of the ingredients. My husband was a little skeptical of the dish, mainly due to the peas, but once he had some, he really like it. I'm sure you will like it too!
  Serves 4-6
   
 
    Ingredients   Italian Name
    1 lb or 16 oz orzo pasta   Paste alimentari
    3 1/2 cups chicken broth or veggie broth (mix with water if you want to cut down on salt)   brodo
    1 onion chopped   cipolla
    8 oz. chopped mushrooms   fungo
    1/3 cup of peas   piselli
    1/4 cup milk or 1/2 and 1/2   d'acqua
    1/4 cup dry white wine   latte
    1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Italian cheese mix   mozzarella
    3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil   olio extra vergine di oliva
    2 Tablespoons butter   burro
    1/4 cup breadcrumbs   pane grattugiato
    2 Tablespoons grated Romano cheese   Romano formaggio
         
    Instructions    
 
1.
 Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
 
2.
 Bring broth and/or water to a boil and cook orzo. Do not drain. Make sure to stir to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of pan.
 
3.
 In large sauce pan heat olive oil and butter until melted over medium heat.
 
4.
 Add onions and saute until tender about 4 minutes.
 
5.
 Add in the mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes.
 
6.
 Add in the peas and wine and cook down until wine is 1/2 gone. About 5 minutes.
 
7.
 Pour the orzo and remaining liquid into the saucepan and mix well.
 
8.
 Add in the cheese and mix again.
 
9.
 Pour into a greased baking dish.
 
10.
 Mix the Romano cheese and breadcrumbs together and sprinkle on top.
 
11.
 Bake uncovered for approximately 20 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
 
12.
 Serve warm.
 
 
    TIP #1: If you do not have mozzarella, use an Italian shredded cheese mix. It works well. I added graded Romano to it as well. The cheese itself will give it different flavors so feel free to experiment.
     
    TIP #2: I used plain breadcrumbs but if you prefer seasoned use that. However, it will change the taste.
     
     
     
    Suggestions for Side Dishes
    Italian Green Salad
    Lima Beans
     
     
   
     
    This recipe can be distributed but cannot be resold. All rights reserved. Copyright 2009. To obtain rights of use contact us by visiting our About Us page and contact me directly.
         

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