Monday, July 21, 2008

By Popular Request: Orzo Salad

This is a popular treat at many a Brave Astronaut party / barbecue / picnic. And I have been called out by Special K to get it up here. So I bumped the normal recipe scheduled for here (it was for potato salad and will appear in September) to honor the request. Coming next week: Sangria recipes! I'll ask NJM to recreate her favorite (if it is similar to the one enjoyed at the SoBA party) and Mrs. OSG to give up her peach one enjoyed at the Little OSG first birthday party.

Zucchini and basil pasta salad
Makes eight generous servings
  • 4 medium zucchini very coarsely grated
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh oregano or 1/4 teaspoon dried
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 3/4 lbs. orzo
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, asiago or hard Monterey jack cheese
  • 3 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional) salt and pepper
Sprinkle zucchini with salt in a colander and toss. Let stand 30 minutes, stirring once or twice. Squeeze zucchini dry. Transfer to a large bowl. Blend basil, oil, garlic, and oregano together well in food processor or blender. Add to zucchini; reserve.

Bring chicken broth to a boil in large pot. Add orzo and reduce heat, cooking until orzo is just tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain well. Stir the pasta into the zucchini. Add the lemon juice, grated cheese and parsley if using. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Excellent as a main dish or side dish with barbecued meats.

6 comments:

Special K. said...

Woohoo! Thanks, BA! But now, will we have as much incentive to attend social events if we can make our own orzo salad at home . . . Hmmmm . . .

Anonymous said...

Do not even think about it... I will withhold the sangria recipe.

Anonymous said...

Sorry, let me explicate. There will be no threating of staying in the boro. If I have to withhold the recipe to make sure you still travel down for gatherings, I will.

Special K. said...

Desperate as we are up here in the Boro for good food, it is always the fellowship of our friends (and their adorable children) that pulls us back to DC. I think you can pass along the sangria recipe without fear.

Anonymous said...

'kay then. As long as I have your word.

Unknown said...

Special K and J - Always good to know that we can bribe you with good food and small children. We'll keep this in mind.