Best Broad Bean Pea Orzo Salad Recipes

MARY BERRY'S ORZO WITH BROAD BEANS, PEAS, LEMON, AND THYME

Steps:

• 1. Cook the orzo in boiling salted water according to the packet instructions (usually about 10 minutes) or until just cooked (see tip), then drain. Boil the broad beans and petits pois in a separate pan for 2-3 minutes, then drain and rinse. 2. Meanwhile, heat the butter and oil in a large frying pan, and when the butter has melted, add the onion and fry over a high heat for 2-3 minutes. Cover with a lid, then reduce the heat and cook gently for about 15 minutes or until soft. Add the garlic, turn up the heat and fry for 1 minute. 3. Stir in the crème fraîche, then add the cooked orzo, beans and peas and gently heat together. Add the thyme, lemon juice and zest and Parmesan, stir together and season to taste with salt and pepper. 4. Spoon into a serving dish and scatter with the pine nuts and grated Parmesan to serve. MARY'S EVERYDAY TIPS: Don't overcook the pasta as it will absorb the cream on standing and it shouldn't be too stodgy. Toast the pine nuts in a dry pan over a medium heat for 4-5 minutes, tossing frequently to ensure they don't burn. You could use ready-toasted pine nuts otherwise.

ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Pour the broth into a heavy large saucepan. Cover the pan and bring the broth to a boil over high heat. Stir in the orzo. Cover partially and cook until the orzo is tender but still firm to the bite, stirring frequently, about 7 minutes. Drain the orzo through a strainer. Transfer the orzo to a large wide bowl and toss until the orzo cools slightly. Set aside to cool completely.
• Toss the orzo with the beans, tomatoes, onion, basil, mint, and enough vinaigrette to coat. Season the salad, to taste, with salt and pepper, and serve at room temperature.
• Mix the vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a blender. With the machine running, gradually blend in the oil. Season the vinaigrette, to taste, with more salt and pepper, if desired.
• Yield: 1 3/4 cups

SPRING ORZO SALAD WITH PEAS AND LEMON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add in the tablespoon of salt. Add the orzo to the pot and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, then add the fresh peas and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, until both the orzo and peas are tender. Drain and rinse with cold water until cool.
• add the oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and optional lemon zest to a small jar. Seal the jar and shake vigorously until emulsified; set aside.
• Transfer the orzo and peas to a large bowl, then add in the radishes, parsley, mint, and almonds. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well-combined. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if necessary
• Serve immediately, or place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes and serve cold. Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

ORZO WITH PEAS AND PARSLEY PESTO

Steps:

• Make the pesto. Turn on a food processor fitted with the steel blade and drop in the garlic. When it is chopped and adhering to the sides of the bowl, stop the machine and scrape down the bowl. Alternatively, mash with a generous pinch of salt in a mortar and pestle. Add the parsley to the food processor (or to the mortar and pestle) and process until finely chopped (or grind to a paste in the mortar and pestle). With the machine running, add the olive oil in a slow stream and process until the mixture is smooth (or slowly work into the mixture using the mortar and pestle). Stop the machine, scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the cheese. Pulse to combine. Measure out 1/3 cup and refrigerate the rest in a covered container.
• Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil and add the orzo. Cook 5 minutes. Add the peas and continue to cook for another 4 minutes, until the orzo is cooked through but al dente. Add a ladleful of the cooking water to the pesto, then drain the orzo and peas and toss with the pesto. Serve, passing more Parmesan or Pecorino in a bowl.