Tea Scented Orzo Recipes

Steps:

• Simmer 1 cup orzo in a saucepan with 2 1/2 cups water, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried mint, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon paprika and 2 strips lemon zest, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool slightly. Stir in 2 chopped scallions, the juice of 1 lemon, and salt to taste.

Steps:

• In 3-quart saucepot, bring 2 quarts water to a boil. Remove from heat.
• Add tea bags to boiling water. Cover and steep 5 minutes.
• Squeeze tea bags to extract excess liquid; discard tea bags.
• Return green tea to a boil. Add orzo; cook 9 minutes or until orzo is tender, adding raisins during last minute of cooking.
• Drain orzo-raisin mixture.
• In bowl, combine orzo mixture, toasted pine nuts, olive oil and chopped scallion.
• Season with salt and pepper, if desired.