Tomato Basil Orzo with Crispy Pastrami
Author: 
Serves: 6 servings
 
Ingredients
  • ¼ cup Lieber’s Basil Infused Estra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 Spanish onion, finely diced
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced OR 4 frozen garlic cubes
  • 1 teaspoon Lieber’s dried basil
  • 2 teaspoon Lieber’s dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon Lieber’s chili powder
  • 3 Tablespoons Lieber’s Double Concentrated Tomato Paste (from squeeze tube)
  • 1 box (1 lb) orzo, uncooked
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2½ cups water
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (6 oz) package sliced pastrami, optional
Instructions
  1. Prep
  2. Heat Lieber’s Basil Infused Oil in a large, deep frying pan or medium pot over medium heat. Add onions and half of the salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are softened.
  3. Add garlic, basil, parsley, chili powder and Lieber’s Tomato Paste. Stir to combine then cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add orzo, broth and water. Raise heat to high. Cover pan and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, until liquid has absorbed and orzo is softened.
  5. Turn off heat and leave pot/pan covered for 5-10 minutes, then uncover and fluff orzo with a fork. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to taste. (Note that pastrami will add saltiness, so factor that in if adding extra salt.)
Meanwhile prepare the crispy pastrami (if using)
  1. Line a baking sheet with foil.
  2. Lay pastrami in a single layer on baking sheet.
  3. Broil for 3-4 minutes per side, until crispy.
  4. Cut pastrami into thin strips.
  5. Just before serving, stir pastrami into orzo, or place orzo in a large bowl with crispy pastrami in the center.
Plan ahead:
  1. Orzo can be prepared a day or two ahead of time and rewarded, coveted, until heated through. Do not stir pastrami into the orzo until just before serving or it will lose its crispness!
  2. While better fresh, orzo can be prepared ahead and frozen.
Recipe by Overtime Cook at https://overtimecook.com/2020/09/29/tomato-basil-orzo-with-crispy-pastrami/