orzo with peas and fresh herbs.

All we are saying…is give peas a chance.

Don’t want to give peas a chance?  Try asparagus instead!

Saute up the lemon zest and shallot.

Then add your cooked orzo and peas (or asparagus if you aren’t willing to give peas a chance).

Have you tried orzo?  It’s kind of a rice-pasta thing, and super delish.  I’m just waiting for them to come up with a brown rice or whole wheat orzo.  Oh, and the kiddos love it too.  You’ll find it at the store with the pasta.

Orzo with Peas and Fresh Herbs

(serves 4)

What You’ll Need:

1 cup orzo ($.50 at $.99/2 cups)

1.5 tablespoons butter ($.14 at $.09/tablespoon)

1 shallot, minced ($.30 at $2.99/lb)

Zest of 1 lemon (free if you grow your own!)

2 cups peas (you can use defrosted frozen) or chopped asparagus ($.99/lb of peas or $2.99/lb of asparagus)

salt and pepper

2 tablespoons freshly chopped herbs such as mint or basil (free if you grow your own!)

Instructions

Cook the orzo according to the package directions.  Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.  Add shallot and lemon zest and cook until shallot is translucent.

Add peas (or asparagus) and cook until bright green and tender, adding a little water if the shallots brown before the peas are tender.

Add the cooked orzo, season with salt and pepper and toss to combine.  Remove from the heat and stir in the herbs.  Serve immediately.

TOTAL:  $1.93 or $.48 per serving (if using peas…and really, we should give them a chance).  Try this with Almond Crusted Chicken and you’re at $1.78 per serving.

Nutrition:

289 calories per serving

5.5 grams of fat

48 carbs

11 grams protein

7 grams fiber