ORZO-STUFFED PEPPERS WITH FETA AND BASIL

ORZO-STUFFED PEPPERS WITH FETA AND BASIL image

Yield 6 people

Number Of Ingredients 11

3/4 cup dried orzo
6 oz. bulk Italian hot or mild (sweet) sausage
1 large onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups crumbled feta cheese (8 oz.)
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
6 medium-size orange and/or yellow sweet peppers
1-1/2 cups tomato juice
1/2 tsp. salt
Top with chopped fresh basil

Steps:

1. In 4- to 5 quart Dutch oven cook orzo according to package directions; drain. Set aside. Wipe Dutch oven dry; set aside. 2. In large nonstick skillet cook sausage, onion, celery, and garlic until sausage is browned and onion is tender. Remove from heat; drain fat. Stir in cooked orzo, cheese, and black pepper. 3. Cut tops from peppers; remove seeds and ribs. Slightly trim bottoms of peppers to stand upright. Spoon orzo mixture into peppers and replace tops; set aside. In Dutch oven stir together carrot juice and salt. Stand peppers upright in Dutch oven. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, 20 to 25 minutes, or until peppers are tender. 4. Serve peppers on rimmed plates. Spoon over any remaining cooking juices. Sprinkle fresh basil on top