WILD RICE AND ORZO WITH TOASTED WALNUTS

Wild Rice and Orzo with Toasted Walnuts image

Yield Makes about 12 cups

Number Of Ingredients 10

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1 1/2 cups wild rice
6 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons walnut oil* or extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound orzo (rice-shaped pasta)
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice plus additional to taste
plus additional fresh lemon juice to taste
2/3 cup finely chopped scallion
1 cup chopped toasted walnuts
*available at specialty foods shops

Steps:

In a large saucepan combine rice with water and salt and simmer, covered, until tender, 40 to 45 minutes. Drain rice well and transfer to a large bowl. Toss rice with 2 tablespoons oil.
In a saucepan of boiling salted water cook orzo until al dente. Rinse orzo under cold water and drain well. To rice mixture add orzo with remaining 4 tablespoons oil, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste and toss well. Mixture may be prepared up to this point 1 day ahead and chilled, covered.
Just before serving, stir in scallion and walnuts and season with additional lemon juice and salt and pepper.
Serve mixture at room temperature.