Friday Food: Orzo with Olives

First of all, yes, this is similar to the Olive Pesto Pasta recipe. But is does have a different flavor. A little parmesan can make a big difference in taste.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Serves: 3

Yield 3 bowls

Ingredients:

6 oz Orzo Pasta

1 can Pitted Black Olives

Juice & zest from 1/2 of a lemon

2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 tbsp Parmesan Grated Cheese

1/4 cup Arugula, Raw

Directions:

note: use tarragon or basil if no arugula available

Cook orzo (one half the package) according to package directions and drain.

Chop the olives with the brine - add lemon juice, arugula & zest. I find this easiest to do in my "whizzer", aka mini food processor.

Mix everything then add Parmesan & arugula

Nutrition: per serving:

Calories 394,Total Fat 21.13g, Saturated Fat 2.17g, Cholesterol 3.33mg, Sodium 508.48mg, Total Carbohydrate 46.51g, Fiber 2.03g, Sugars 1.2g, Protein 8.38g

This is higher in fat than I usually prefer...but note the low saturated fat, that kind of makes up for it.

Orzo Salad

Serves: 12

Ingredients:
12 ounces orzo, prepared as directed
3 cloves garlic, minced 2 pints grape tomatoes
2 bunches scallions (if you are an onion fan - use red onions)
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 tablespoon basil
1/2 cup fresh dill (dried can work if no fresh available)
1/4 cup fresh parsley (ditto on the dried)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
6 ounces feta cheese

note: I never measure, but I did once for when I wrote the recipe down...but variations according to taste work just fine :)

Directions:
Mix it all together in a big 'ol bowl

Nutrition: 204 Calories; 8g Fat (35.8% calories from fat); 3g Saturated Fat; 6g Protein; 27g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 13mg Cholesterol; 167mg Sodium.
Exchanges: 1 1/2 Grain(Starch); 1/2 Lean Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 1 1/2 Fat.

note: for those who are unsure of what orzo is...it is a rice shaped pasta - you can find it in the pasta aisle with the other noodles...it usually comes in a smallish box.