Lemony Orzo With Asparagus and Garlic Bread Crumbs
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This salad is a delight! Every bite is crunchy, chewy lemony and grassy. It is also easy to make. I like to use whole wheat orzo to bump up the nutrition and fiber. If you cannot find it locally, you can order it from Amazon or specialty pasta sources, such as Delallo (https://www.delallo.com/whole-wheat-orzo/). It is great as a main dish or side. Here we seared a few shrimp in garlic and olive oil. Feel free to add as many fresh herbs as you like!
MAKES: 4 Servings
PREP/COOK TIME: 30 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
½ teaspoon Freshly cracked black pepper
1 cup whole wheat orzo
1 pound asparagus, trimmed and thinly sliced on a diagonal (about ¼-inch thick)
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon zest plus 3 tablespoons lemon juice, plus more as needed (from about 1 large lemon)
½ cup panko or homemade bread crumbs
2 garlic cloves, finely grated (divided)
¼ cup finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
½ cup fresh dill, mint or parsley leaves (or any combination), torn if large
DIRECTIONS
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain the orzo.
Meanwhile, saute the asparagus and 1 glove of garlic in a large frying pan on medium heat until tender, about 3 minutes. Wipe out the pan and set aside.
While the orzo and asparagus cook, make the dressing: In a large bowl, stir together 3 tablespoons oil and the lemon zest and juice; season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the drained orzo and asparagus and toss to coat. Set aside while you toast the bread crumbs.
In the reserved frying pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil over medium. Add the panko and cook, stirring, until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat, then stir in the remaining garlic and season with salt and pepper.
Stir the Parmesan and herbs into the orzo, taste, then season with salt, pepper and additional lemon juice, if desired. Top with the toasted bread crumbs and more Parmesan if you like. Serve warm or at room temperature.
