Orzo With Roasted Vegetables (Barefoot Contessa) Ina Garten

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This is a great way to get your veggies in. The lemon dressing goes great with the orzo. The result is a colorful dish that’s great for entertaining since you eat it at room temperature.

Ingredients

  • 1 1
  • small eggplant, peeled and 3/4 inch diced
  • 1 1
  • red bell pepper, 1 inch diced
  • 1 1
  • yellow bell pepper, 1 inch diced
  • 1 1
  • red onion, peeled and 1 inch diced
  • 2 2
  • garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 1/3
  • cup olive oil
  • 1 1/2 1 1/2
  • teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 1/2
  • teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1/2 1/2
  • lb orzo pasta or 1/2 lb rice-shaped pasta
  • 1/3 1/3
  • cup fresh lemon juice (2 lemons)
  • 1/3 1/3
  • cup olive oil
  • 1 1
  • teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 1/2
  • teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 4 4
  • scallions, minced (white and green parts)
  • 1/4 1/4
  • cup pignolis, toasted (pine nuts)
  • 3/4 3/4
  • lb good feta, 1/2 inch diced (not crumbled)
  • 15 15
  • fresh basil leaves, cut into julienne

Preparation

Step 1

1 Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

2 Toss the eggplant, bell peppers, onion, and garlic with the olive oil, salt, and pepper on a large sheet pan.

3 Roast for 40 minutes, until browned, turning once with a spatula.

4 Meanwhile, cook the orzo in boiling salted water for 7 to 9 minutes, until tender.

5 Drain and transfer to a large serving bowl.

6 Add the roasted vegetables to the pasta, scraping all the liquid and seasonings from the roasting pan into the pasta bowl.

7 For the dressing, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper and pour on the pasta and vegetables.

8 Let cool to room temperature, then add the scallions, pignolis, feta, and basil.

9 Check the seasonings, and serve at room temperature.