Orzo

Orzo refers to a small type of pasta that is shaped like grains of rice. The word "orzo" is Italian for "barley" and was given to the pasta because the size and shape resembles barley grains. Durum semolina wheat is used to make orzo, because the hard texture of the wheat helps the pasta keep its shape during cooking.http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-orzo-pasta.htm

Because of its versatility, orzo pasta is used extensively in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes and soups. It can also be topped with pasta sauce, butter or baked into a casserole.http://www.ilovepasta.org/shapes.html Since orzo pasta is so small, it does not need to be cooked as long as other pasta shapes. You can cook 8 ounces of orzo pasta in about 7 minutes.http://www.recipezaar.com/Orzo-Salad-75022

If you want to make an easy side dish, orzo pasta can be a good base for pasta salad.http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1662933 Orzo also becomes soft and absorbs liquid as it cooks, so it can be a substitute for Arborio rice when you're making risotto.http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1119556

Orzo pasta is used in Greek, Spanish, Italian and Indian cuisine. It can be browned and used in pilaf or added to broth based soups. It can also be cooked and served cold with vegetables, cheeses, and dressing in a pasta salad.