Orzo with Peas and Parmesan

What it the world is orzo? It’s the word for “barley” In Italian, a language that is foreign to me, but delightsome and fascinating nevertheless. Grains of orzo resemble grains of rice but they are in fact pasta, making this quick side dish Italian in only one way: orzo is the main ingredient.  It's tasty nevertheless.

Orzo with Peas and Parmesan
recipe from For the Love of Cooking
printable version of this recipe

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 green onion, diced
8 button mushrooms, chopped
1 clove crushed garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup frozen peas, heated
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan (fresh Parmesan melts and tastes so much better)
Scant handful chopped parsley
1 cup orzo

Cook according to package directions. While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a medium skillet. When the oil is hot, add green onion and mushrooms and cook through. Add garlic and cook for about one minute, stirring frequently. Remove pan from heat and add salt and pepper.

When pasta is cooked, drain and return it to the pan. Stir in the mushroom mixture, peas, Parmesan and parsley; taste and season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!