WILD MUSHROOM AND ORZO "RISOTTO"

Wild Mushroom and Orzo

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

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7/8 to 1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms*
1 1/2 cups hot water
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups orzo
3 1/2 to 4 cups canned low-salt chicken broth
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 1/4 ounces)
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Minced fresh parsley
*Porcini are available at Italian markets and specialty foods stores.

Steps:

Rinse mushrooms briefly with cold water. Place in small bowl. Add 1 1/2 cups hot water and let soak until softened, about 30 minutes. Drain mushrooms, reserving soaking liquid. Squeeze mushrooms and chop.
Heat oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until tender, about 8 minutes. Add orzo and stir until coated with oil. Mix in chopped mushrooms.
Meanwhile combine 4 cups broth other medium saucepan. Bring to simmer. Reduce heat to low and keep hot.
Add 1 cup liquid to orzo, adjust heat so liquid simmers slowly and cook until orzo absorbs liquid, stirring occasionally. Continue adding liquid 1 cup at a time, simmering until each addition is absorbed before adding next and stirring occasionally until orzo is just tender and liquid is creamy, about 30 minutes. Stir in Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley.