I had never even eaten Rice-a-Roni until college when my roommate made it for me. I thought she was a gourmet cook when she added chicken to the rice while it cooked and voila…chicken and rice dinner. Wow, I was so impressed. I didn’t know a thing about cooking back then and I didn’t really have an interest to cook. But I made that chicken and rice dinner many times after that thinking I was really cooking.
Anyway, fast forward many many years and I love to cook and do so mostly from scratch. I haven’t eaten Rice-a-Roni in awhile, but I made this Mediterranean Orzo Pilaf and it reminded me of the Rice-a-Roni, except this dish is made with fresh tomatoes and spinach, feta and Kalamata olives. I love anything that has Kalamata olives. They are a treat for me. I won’t buy canned olives anymore. I can’t do it. They just don’t compare to the real thing.
Mediterranean Orzo Pilaf
adapted from San Giorgio
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 oz. uncooked orzo – (my box was 16 oz, so one box will make two batches)
2-1/4 cups chicken stock
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup chopped fresh tomato
1 cup fresh spinach, cut into thin strips
2 tablespoons finely chopped Kalamata olives
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat, add orzo. Cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 3 minutes.
Stir in stock and seasonings; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered 10 minutes. Stir in tomato and spinach; cover. Cook 5 minutes or until almost all liquid is absorbed, STIRRING OCCASIONALLY to prevent sticking. Stir in olives and feta cheese.
Enjoy!
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This post is linked to Tasty Tuesday and Tempt my Tummy Tuesday and Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum and MomTrends and the Festival of Super Foods Broth/Stock Recipes at Kitchen Stewardship.
Sounds good. I am so glad to have this recipe! Happy TMTT!
I’ve never cooked with orzo before but you give real good instructions.
This really looks good, and I have a big supply of orzo right now. I’m giving this a try this weekend. I would like to invite you to participate in Crock Pot Wednesday at diningwithdebbie.blogspot.com. Come check it out.
oh – I love Orzo. How yummy.
delicious! that sounds like a great fall food. thanks.
Hmmm, looks interesting. 🙂 I’ve never cooked orzo before either.
We love orzo–great alternative to regular pasta. Thanks so much for sharing with Momtrends.
The great advantage this has over rice is that it cooks so much more quickly. I love the things you’ve added to the orzo. What a great side for a Mediterranean style meal. I hope you are having a wonderful day.
The first time I made orzo I thought I can’t do this. All the cooking show say orzo can be hard to make. Well, it came out wonderful. I will try your recipe. THANKS!!! Geri
Although I cook a lot and entertain a lot I have never made orzo. Go figure, I know.
This sounds good to me.
Anything with feta wins my heart! I wish my family liked olives so I could make this…
Thank you for joining the first October Fest Carnival of Super Foods! Next week’s theme is Super Foods (which include basic things like garlic, onions, and apples). Hope to see you back!
Katie