TOASTED ORZO WITH SAFFRON AND FENNEL

Toasted Orzo with Saffron and Fennel image

Provided by Melissa Roberts

Yield Makes 4 to 6 (side dish) servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

1/4 teaspoon crumbled saffron threads
1 tablespoon boiling-hot water plus 2 cups water, divided
1/2 cup chopped red onion
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 /2 cups orzo (9 ounces)
1 cup chopped fennel (from 1 small bulb) plus 2 tablespoons chopped fronds

Steps:

Soften saffron in 1 tablespoon hot water and set aside.
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.
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.
Sprinkle fennel bulb over orzo and let stand, covered, off heat 5 minutes. Stir fennel bulb into orzo, then serve sprinkled with fennel fronds.