Hope all is well.  Summer is always a different kind of busy.  I have this huge list of stuff to do. Stuff I have been putting off all winter because I have been too busy.  I know many of you grasp the magnitude of this Catch 22. Between family, work and fun-meals are often improvised and as a result can get really unhealthy.

This is why I love this orzo dish. It is fast, has easy packable/portable ingredients, contains all the food groups and is most importantly delicious! I can whip this up in about a half hour – so I still have time l to sit under a tree with my guitar and work up all the new songs I have written over the last 9 months.
Let me know what you think.

Preparation time : Takes about 35 minutes.

Orzo with tomatoes and feta

1 package/450g Orzo
4 scallions
1 can chick peas
4 tablespoons olive oil
6 large roma tomatoes diced – Canned tomatoes are OK as well
2 chopped zucchinis
1 cup of black kalamata olives
1 teaspoon sugar
Shot of white wine
1 teaspoon salt – less or none if your chick peas have a lot of salt
fresh chopped parsley
4 ounces of crumbled feta cheese

1. In a large pot, boil 5 litres of salted water.  Add orzo and cook for 7 to 8 minutes drain according to instructions and toss back into your large pot.
2. In a sauce pan, over medium low heat, add oil, scallions, and zuchini. Cook until starting to brown. About 10 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes, chick peas and a cup of water. Cook another 5 minutes
4. Add shot of white wine, sugar and salt. Cook another 2-3 minutes
5. Add tomotoes et al to the orzo and mix well.
6. Stir in olives, parsley and feta
7. Add fresh pepper to taste

Hint #1 : Canned vegetables can be really high in sodium.  Read the label!   European imports tend to have way less added sodium.  You can always find them at a good Italian grocer.  It is a trade-off however; lower your sodium intake or your carbon foot print. Some Canadian brands are starting to offer low salt alternatives. Hopefully this trend will continue.

Hint #2 : Serve hot or cold.  This dish travels really well.  Orzo is great to take camping or to the cottage for this reason.

Enjoy!