Orzo With Celery, Cranberries and Pecans

"Found printed on a package of celery from Cali. A recipe that can be either prepared as a stuffing or served as a side dish (or salad with a few modifications)."
 
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photo by CSR16618 photo by CSR16618
photo by CSR16618
Ready In:
35mins
Ingredients:
11
Yields:
5 cups
Serves:
6
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ingredients

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directions

  • STUFFING: Melt butter with olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add diced onion, cooking 4 minutes or until onions are translucent and golden brown.
  • Add celery; cook 4 minutes longer.
  • In a large bowl, combine the drained orzo, cooked celery and onion, cranberries, nuts, basil, lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.
  • Toss gently.
  • At this point, if desired, the orzo is now ready to be stuffed.
  • Variations:

  • As a SIDE DISH: Heat up the olive oil and butter in a saute pan on medium heat. Saute the celery, onion and UNCOOKED orzo pasta until lightly browned.
  • Add 3 cups water or broth and bring to boil. Cover pan, reduce heat and simmer on low for 20 minutes or until liquid has evaporated.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the cranberries, pecans, fresh basil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
  • To make it as a SALAD: boil orzo and cook until tender. Drain and rinse under cool water. Drain again. Transfer orzo to a salad bowl. Add the diced onion, minced celery and shredded basil to the pasta. In a small non-reactive bowl, whisk together about 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice (play around with the proportion and amount of oil and lemon juice as desired), salt and pepper. Stir the vinaigrette into the orzo. FYI: the butter is omitted.

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Reviews

  1. I've made this recipe several times, but with brown rice since I just never have orzo around. And usually slivered almonds instead of pecans. The flavors are incredible, and I've used this recipe as a base for other food items. I turned it into a sort of casserole for Thanksgiving last year, for example, and everyone raved about it!
     
  2. I made this using whole wheat orzo and it turned out great. I used slivered almonds instead of pecans. The cranberries and lemon juice add a special zing. It's really delicious warm or cold. I'll definitely make it again!
     
  3. I have made this several times now and I think it is a new go to side dish. I used brown rice instead of orzo. I toasted the pecans (enhanced the flavor). I think what I like the best is that it isn't too much more work than plain rice, but wow what a difference it makes!
     
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Tweaks

  1. I made this using whole wheat orzo and it turned out great. I used slivered almonds instead of pecans. The cranberries and lemon juice add a special zing. It's really delicious warm or cold. I'll definitely make it again!
     
  2. I have made this several times now and I think it is a new go to side dish. I used brown rice instead of orzo. I toasted the pecans (enhanced the flavor). I think what I like the best is that it isn't too much more work than plain rice, but wow what a difference it makes!
     
  3. I've made this recipe several times, but with brown rice since I just never have orzo around. And usually slivered almonds instead of pecans. The flavors are incredible, and I've used this recipe as a base for other food items. I turned it into a sort of casserole for Thanksgiving last year, for example, and everyone raved about it!
     

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