Sesame Orzo with Green Onions

A simple side dish of sautéed orzo, a rice-shaped pasta, tossed with toasted sesame seeds and green onions.

Recipe Ingredients:

2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
1 tablespoon peanut or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 bunches green onions, cut on diagonal into 1-inch pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Cooking Directions:

1. In a dry, small skillet cook sesame seeds over medium heat, stirring, until golden brown, about 4 minutes, and transfer to a large bowl. Set aside.
2. In a large saucepan bring 4 quarts salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain orzo in a colander and rinse under cold water. Add the well-drained orzo to the sesame seeds.
3. Heat oil the peanut and sesame oil over medium-high heat until hot and sauté green onions, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir green onion mixture into orzo mixture and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Makes 4 servings.