Toasted Orzo with Saffron and Fennel
A fragrant Mediterranean-style pasta dish featuring toasted orzo perfumed with precious saffron threads and complemented by the subtle anise flavor of fresh fennel. This elegant side dish combines aromatic spices with tender pasta for a sophisticated accompaniment.
Ingredients
- •¼ teaspoon crumbled saffron threads
- •1 tablespoon water
- •½ cup chopped red onion
- •2 tablespoons olive oil
- •1½ cups orzo
- •1 cup fennel
Cooking Instructions
- 1.
Soften saffron in 1 tablespoon hot water and set aside.
2 min
- 2.
Cook onion in oil in a 3-quart heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 6 minutes. Add orzo and toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant, 2 to 4 minutes.
10 min
- 3.
Stir in saffron mixture, remaining 2 cups water, and 1 teaspoon salt and simmer, covered, until orzo is just tender and liquid is absorbed, about 12 minutes.
12 min
- 4.
Sprinkle fennel bulb over orzo and let stand, covered, off heat 5 minutes. Stir fennel bulb into orzo, then serve sprinkled with fennel fronds.
5 min