Green Orzo with Preserved Lemon Pesto
by Hanane OUADDAHOUGreen Orzo with Preserved Lemon Pesto
Category
Pasta, Pesto, Lunch, Dinner, Vegeterian
Servings
4-6
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Author:
Hanane OUADDAHOU
Who said that food without meat is not tasty?!This the perfect complete meal for the kids...and my own kids love it...
So many greens hidden in this Zucchini, Spinach, Pea and Pesto Orzo!!!
It's really quick and easy to make and doesn't required a lot of ingredients... it's mostly what we find in our kitchen pantry..
All made in one pot and the main flavor is coming from MY PESTO...
I love to play with ingredients when it comes to marinade, pestos, spreads...Replacing the usual lemon by Moroccan Hanouna's Taste "Preserved Lemon" and some oiled artichokes ( YES! I am an Artichoke addict!!!), gave a super "citrussy" flavor to this Pesto...
Bon Appétit !!

Ingredients
1/4 cup Almonds, blanched
2 cups Basil
1 clove of garlic
2/3 cup Olive oil
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp salt and black pepper
1 Artichoke Heart، pickled or preserved in oil
2 cups Orzo or Risoni Pasta
2 cups Vegetable stock
2 cups of milk - full fat
2 1/2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
3 cups zucchini, diced
1 cup frozen peas
2 cups baby spinach
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
6 tbsp Preserved Lemon Pesto
Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese
Preserved Lemon Pesto
Green Orzo
To Serve
Directions
For the Pesto
Blend all the ingredients together and reserve
For the orzo
In a large non stick frying pan, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add the onion and garlic for 1 minute until starting to soften.
Add the orzo and stir well until the orzo absorb the oil.
Add the zucchini and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
Add the pesto, frozen peas, salt and pepper. Stir well
Add the vegetable stock, milk and grated parmesan
Cover and let it cook until all the liquids are absorbed
Add the spinach, Mix
Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated parmesan.
Recipe Note
Instead the almonds, you can use any other nuts (pine nuts, walnuts, cashew...)