Orzo Pilaf / Pulav

ORZO PILAF / PULAV

My son is the only one in the family who is a very organised cook. The vegetable peels go directly into his bin as and when they are chopped. The knives, peeler and the cutting board are arranged in the dish washer immediately after use. The cooking range is wiped clean and dry. The ingredients needed for cooking are all ready within his hand's reach. And only then he starts cooking. His kitchen is ever ready for a photo session! I was amazed at his orderliness and the ease with which he prepared Orzo Pilaf for us on a lazy Sunday.

Orzo is a form of pasta and it looks like long grain rice. Here is how my son cooked  pilaf / pulav using this pasta.

INGREDIENTS

Orzo- 2 cups

Chopped onion - 1/2 cup

Chopped red bell pepper - 1/2 cup

Slit green chillies - 4

Fresh ginger ( slivered) - 1 tsp

Carrots ( chopped ) - 1 cup

 Frozen peas - 1 cup

Salt - 1 1/2 tsp

Vegetable broth - 2 1/2 cups

Olive oil - 2 tbsps

Cumin seeds - 1 tsp

Cloves - 6

Cardamom- 3

Star anise - 1

Cinnamon - 1'' piece

METHOD

1. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds.

2. Add the cloves, cardamom, cinnamon and star anise and fry.

3. Add the onion, bell peppers, ginger and  green chillies and saute till onions turn transparent.

4. Stir in carrot and peas and cook for three minutes.

5. Add orzo and keep stirring till dry.

6. Finally add the vegetable broth and salt.

7. Cook till the orzo absorbs all the broth stirring now and then.

8. Add more broth or water if necessary and cook till the pilaf is done.

Thanks dear sonny, we enjoyed your Orzo Pilaf garnished with so much of your love and care.