Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil

Ingredients

• 1 cup grain orzo
• 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 0.25 cup basil
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 0.25 cup pine nuts
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. 1Cook the whole grain orzo in boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. 2While the orzo cooks, chop the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil into fine pieces.
3. 3Finely mince the garlic.
4. 4In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chili flakes, sautéing until fragrant.
5. 5Add the sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften.
6. 6Stir in the cooked orzo, lemon zest, and lemon juice into the skillet with the sun-dried tomatoes. Mix well to combine.
7. 7Toast the pine nuts in a dry pan over medium heat until golden, then set aside.
8. 8Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the toasted pine nuts, fresh basil, nutritional yeast, sea salt, and black pepper.
9. 9Adjust seasoning to taste.
10. 10Serve the orzo warm, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.
11. 11Enjoy your nutritious Mediterranean-inspired meal!