Saturday, October 5, 2013

Custardy Baked Orzo with Spinach, Bacon and Feta

Prep / Total time : 1 hours  30 minutes         Serves 6

Few Americans eat pasta for breakfast, but this Greek-inspired recipe with orzo, leeks and bacon aims to make a few converts.
                                **Salt**
1                      cup orzo
12                    ounces thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces


1-1/2                pounds leeks, white and tender green parts only, thinly sliced
10                    ounces baby spinach
8                      ounces feta cheese, crumbled
                           **Freshly ground pepper**
4                      large eggs
1/2                   cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2                   cup milk

1.       Preheat the oven to 375°. In a large saucepan of salted boiling water, cook the orzo until al dente. Drain and transfer to a medium bowl.
2.       In a large skillet, cook the bacon over moderate heat until browned, 8 minutes. Add the leeks and cook until tender, 8 minutes. Add the leek mixture to the orzo, leaving 1 tablespoon of fat in the skillet. Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted; transfer to a colander and press out the excess liquid. Add the spinach to the orzo, fold in the feta and season with salt and pepper.
3 .         In a bowl, whisk the eggs with the yogurt and milk, season with pepper and stir into the orzo. Scrape the mixture into an oiled 12-by-8-inch baking dish and bake for about 45 minutes, until the eggs are set and the top is browned. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Suggested Pairing :Vibrant, fresh whites from the Greek Peloponnese region are fantastic with tangy feta cheese.

6 comments:

  1. Your Custardy Baked Orzo with Spinach, Bacon and Feta sounds wonderful and looking great too. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Amy , it's another favorite at my house , sometime I serve it for dinner , thanks for stopping by :).

      Delete
  2. This sounds great! I would have to do something about that bacon for the two vegetarians in the family - when they are here, though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Nellie , I think it would taste just as good with a couple of extra eggs and cheese . I have some wonderful vegetarians recipes for the twwo in your family , keep a lookout . Thanks for stopping by :).

      Delete
  3. Dear Nee,
    Orzo is one of my favorite pastas. Yummy post for breakfast or anytime. I love the combo of all the ingredients. Thanks...
    Blessings, Dottie :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Dottie ,
    Like you , I love pasta , just gearing up fot the Pasta Party hope to see you there . Thans for stopping by :).

    ReplyDelete

Hi friends, thank you for stopping by and for taking the time to say hello. The welcome mat is always out and the coffee is always hot .I really appreciate your sweet gesture!