Orzo With Smoky Tomato Vinaigrette Recipe

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A bonus quick meal for this week, from Giada De Laurentiis's new cookbook, "Weeknights With Giada'"; this one's vegetarian. The simple step of charring the cherry tomatoes in a hot, dry skillet before they're blended in a sauce is a good takeaway lesson in this recipe. It imparts a slight smokiness in minutes, without a grill or smoker.

The dish involves little prep, so it's easy on the hands, and good for beginner cooks.

Serve with a salad of mixed greens.

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Ingredients

measuring cup

Servings: 4

Directions

  • Step 1

    Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add a generous pinch of the salt, and then the pasta. Cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large serving bowl.

  • Step 2

    Meanwhile, stem the tomatoes as needed. Place the tomatoes in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for about 10 minutes, shaking the skillet occasionally, until the tomatoes are just short of deflated and the skins are charred in spots. Remove from the heat.

  • Step 3

    While the tomatoes are cooling a bit, tear the basil leaves, letting them fall into a blender. Add the slightly cooled tomatoes, vinegar, oil, honey, the smoked salt and the pepper in a blender or food processor. Puree to form a smooth vinaigrette.

  • Step 4

    Pour over the pasta and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle with the cheese and toss lightly to incorporate.

  • Step 5

    Taste the orzo and adjust the seasoning as needed (with smoked salt and pepper). Serve warm.

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    Nutritional Facts

    Per serving

    • Calories

      450

    • Fat

      11 g

    • Saturated Fat

      3 g

    • Carbohydrates

      73 g

    • Sodium

      200 mg

    • Cholesterol

      5 mg

    • Protein

      15 g

    • Fiber

      2 g

    • Sugar

      7 g

    This analysis is an estimate based on available ingredients and this preparation. It should not substitute for a dietitian’s or nutritionist’s advice.

    Adapted from "Weeknights With Giada," by Giada De Laurentiis (Clarkson Potter, 2012).

    Tested by Bonnie S. Benwick.

    Published March 27, 2012

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