Chapter 5: Pasta And Couscous, The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook

This vibrant one-pan dish transforms humble orzo into a comforting Mediterranean masterpiece. The star is loukaniko, a Greek sausage infused with cinnamon and cloves, which pairs beautifully with the sweetness of roasted red bell peppers and the earthiness of tomato paste. As the pasta simmers, it absorbs the rich, aromatic broth, creating a texture that is tender yet distinct. It&# 226;ÂÂs the perfect weeknight dinner when you crave something savory, slightly spicy, and deeply satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it family-style for a warm, communal meal that feels both rustic and refined.

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Courses: Side Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4

Calories: 348.5

Description

This vibrant one-pan dish transforms humble orzo into a comforting Mediterranean masterpiece. The star is loukaniko, a Greek sausage infused with cinnamon and cloves, which pairs beautifully with the sweetness of roasted red bell peppers and the earthiness of tomato paste. As the pasta simmers, it absorbs the rich, aromatic broth, creating a texture that is tender yet distinct. It&# 226;ÂÂs the perfect weeknight dinner when you crave something savory, slightly spicy, and deeply satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it family-style for a warm, communal meal that feels both rustic and refined.

Ingredients

1/2 cups orzo
1 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
4 Ounces loukaniko sausage, chopped fine
1 Onion, chopped fine
1 Red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and chopped fine
1 tablespoons Tomato paste
2 Garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoons Paprika

Directions

1
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped loukaniko sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and crispy, about 5 minutes.
2
Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3
Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, paprika, and ground cinnamon. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4
Add the orzo to the skillet and stir to coat with the sausage and vegetable mixture. Pour in enough broth or water to cover the pasta by about an inch.
5
Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
6
Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 348.5kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 27.0g42%
Saturated Fat 8.6g43%
Cholesterol 52.0mg18%
Sodium 833.0mg35%
Total Carbohydrate 4.6g2%
Dietary Fiber 1.2g5%
Sugars 2.0g
Protein 20.6g42%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: orzo, sousage, greek, mediterranean, one-pan, dinner, peppers, cinnamon, tomato, garlic, onion, olive oil, paprika, loukaniko, skillet, comfort food, easy, family meal, spicy, aromatic

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/chapter-5-pasta-and-couscous-the-complete-mediterranean-cookbook-16/