Chieftain^® Wild Rice Company

ORZO, SOUTHWESTERN MIX

Description:

SouthWestern Mix Orzo is a colorful blend of flavored Orzo Pasta. This SouthWestern Mix is created by incorporating three different ingredients into the Orzo; Black Bean, Maize, and Red Chile. Orzo is 1/3" long and Rice shaped. The toothy, firm texture and subtle flavors lend it's use to many different applications. When toasted, Orzo has a nutty flavor. Traditionally, Orzo has been used with Rice to make Pilafs. Orzo, like many pastas, has become a flexible and versatile ingredient. In Italian, Orzo means "Barley". Since Pasta doesn't contain any Barley, the name is probably in reference to the shape of Orzo. Pasta has been a main stay ingredient in Italian cooking for centuries. Orzo is just one of the many shapes developed for specific uses. One pound dry yields 6-1/2 cups cooked.

 

Suggested Use:

Delicious in a Pilaf, Paste E Fagioli or Minestrone soups, cold salads or by itself with butter. Use Orzo instead of rice with stir fry or to make Pilafs, cold salads and soups. Toss cooked Orzo with chopped spinach and sliced almonds for a delightful side dish.

 

SOUTHWEST PASTA SALAD

Compliments of Fondi's Fish and Poultry, www.fondisinsewickley.com

1# Southwest Orzo Pasta, 4 oz diced red pepper, 4 oz diced green pepper, 2 oz chopped canned chipotle chile/peppers (in adobo sauce), 8 oz diced Spanish onion, 2 concassee tomatoes diced, 8 oz diced smoked ham, 10 oz black bean and corn salsa, 1/2 bunch of cilantro chopped, 1 Tablespoon lime juice, Scallions can be used to garnish if you desire.

Prepare Southwest Orzo Pasta according to package directions.  Place in refrigerator until chilled. 

Saute Onions, red and green peppers with ham until vegetables are softened, yet still have a slight crunch to them.  Then chill in refrigerator.

Once above steps are chilled, toss all listed ingredients together and serve!