Cheesy Orzo

Photo: flickr user Brett L.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

small onion chopped

2 garlic cloves chopped

2 cans chicken or vegetable broth or 2 cups orzo pasta

(enriched rice may be substituted)

cup grated Parmigiano or Romano

Coarse salt to taste

Freshly-ground black pepper to taste

Preparation

Preheat a 8 inch pot with a tight fitting cover over moderate heat. Add oil, onion and garlic and saute for 2 or 3 minutes. Add broth to the pan and bring to a boil.

Stir in orzo and return broth to a boil. Cover pot and reduce heat to simmer. Cook 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until liquid is absorbed and pasta tender.

Remove lid and stir in cheese. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. You favorite fresh herbs may also be stirred into the orzo or rice to strengthen the flavor even more.

This recipe yields 4 servings.