Asparagus And Edamame Orzo Salad. Orzo, a favorite and so versatile to use in a salad or any other dish

Orzo

Orzo, also known as risoni, is a form of short-cut pasta, shaped like a large grain of rice. Orzo is traditionally made from flour, but it can also be made of whole grain. It is often made with semolina, a type of flour made from durum wheat.

Ingredients – Serves 4

1 cup orzo pasta
1 bunch asparagus, about 20 spears
3/4 cup frozen shelled edamame
3 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, rinsed, drained, and thinly sliced
1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
1 small garlic clove, minced
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Freshly grated parmesan cheese, for serving

Method

1. In a medium saucepan, cook orzo in lightly salted boiling water for 10 minutes, or until tender. Drain well and place in a large bowl.
2. For asparagus and edamame, bring a medium pot of water to boil. Add both the asparagus and edamame, turn heat to low, and cook for 2 minutes. Drain and immediately plunge into a bowl of cold water. Drain and dry asparagus and edamame well.
3. Cut each spear into 3 pieces and add both to the orzo.
4. Add olive oil, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper, tossing well to coat.
5. Cover and let stand at room temperature until ready to serve.
6. Top each serving with Parmesan cheese.
Prepared, Tried, and Tested by: Valerie Diedrich‎