Ingredients
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1 pint Cherry Tomatoes
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1 bunch Green Asperagus
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a pinch Sugar
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1/4 cup Pine Nuts
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2 cups (uncooked) Orzo Pasta
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2 Garlic Cloves
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2 Shallots
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4 cups Chicken Stock
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1 cup (grated) Fresh Parmesan Cheese
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1 bunch Fresh Basil
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2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
Directions
Steps
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1
Done
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Preheat the oven to 430°F/221°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. |
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2
Done
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Roast the Asperagus and Cherry TomatoesCut the ends of the asperagus off and place them on the lined baking sheet. (Normally there is no need to peel the skin off green asperagus (white asperagus has a thicker wooden-like skin which needs peeling). Sprinkle sugar sparingly over the apseragus - this removes any harsh bitter taste. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half (optional).Drizzle olive oil over all the tomatoes and asperagus and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 12-15 minutes. |
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3
Done
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Toast the Pine NutsToast the pine nuts for approx. 1 minute in a pan on medium-high heat - with no oil or butter - just dry. Remove immediately. Roasting the pine nuts allows the delicious nutty flavor to come out more. |
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4
Done
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Peel and dice the shallots. Peel and mince the garlic. In a pan - or preferrably a cast iron skillet - on medium heat, heat the butter and saute the shallots and garlic. Add the uncooked orzo and saute another 3-5 minutes. Stir in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer approx. 15 min. Chop the basil. Add the asperagus, tomatoes, pine nuts, basil and the parmesan cheese to the orzo. Season with salt and pepper. Top with more fresh parmesan and basil if desired. |
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5
Done
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Variation using White AsperagusWhite asperagus is actually my favorite vegetable. White asperagus is thicker than green Asperagus and gets its white coloring due to the fact that it grows entirely underground with no sun. White asperagus is sweeter and less bitter than green asperagus. Try substituting the green asperagus in this orzo recipe. You make also like my roasted white asperagus recipe with sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, and balsamic glaze: Roasted White Asperagus with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pine Nuts, and my velvety risotto rice with asparagus recipe: How to Make Velvety Risotto with Green Asparagus. Try out my Italian wedding soup with orzo pasta: Italian Wedding Soup with Beef and Pork Meatballs and Orzo. |
