This mock "risotto" made with orzo rather than rice makes a quick Italian-inspired supper with very little effort. Risotto made with rice takes about 30 minutes to make and needs to be constantly stirred. Using the rice-shaped orzo pasta means you can let it cook on its own with just an occasional stir.
Serve the risotto with this Italian salad. Or, open a bag of washed, ready-to-eat salad to complete the meal.
Helpful Hints:
_ Any type of mushrooms can be used, such as button, oyster or porcini.
_ Any type of onion can be used.
_ To make this a vegetarian dinner, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Countdown:
_ Prepare risotto.
_ Prepare salad while risotto cooks.
Shopping List:
To buy: { pound portobello mushrooms (or oyster or porcini), 1 small package orzo, 1 red onion, 1 bottle dry white wine, 1 small piece Parmesan cheese, 1 bunch parsley, 1 small can reduced-sodium cannellini beans, 1 small head radicchio lettuce, 1 small head Romaine lettuce, 1 bottle reduced-fat oil and vinegar dressing and 1 container fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth.
Staples: olive oil, garlic, salt and black peppercorns.
