Lemon Basil Orzo

This recipe is an Iz Original. I was just playing around in the kitchen one night and decided to wing it!

Ingredients:

1 cup orzo (uncooked)

1/2 onion, diced to about the size of the orzo

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 can navy beans

1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, diced (packed in oil or rehydrated in water if you buy the dried ones)

1/4 cup diced artichokes

2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

1.5-2 tbsp finely-grated lemon zest

1/4 cup + 2 tbsp olive oil

1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook the orzo as directed on the package.
2. In 1 tbsp olive oil, cook onions and garlic until onions are soft and transparent
3. Stir in the artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, and beans. Cook for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat.
5. Stir in remaining olive oil, lemon zest, basil, and parmesan cheese.
6. Add orzo and toss to combine evenly.
7. Season with salt and pepper.

This recipe turned out really well. The lemon + basil combination was fantastic, and I might even add more lemon next time. I would also suggest using freshly cracked pepper - it was a nice complement to the lemon and basil flavours. Also, I would recommend chopping the vegetables as close to the size of the orzo as you can. It's nice to have that consistency in size. One thing I might try next time is adding some spicy heat - like a pinch of dried chili flakes.

Either way, this recipe was great and fresh-tasting. I will definitely make it again!