This recipe was created just last week when I looked in my frig and saw the same head of cauliflower that I have been looking at for about 3 days now. I thought ok...it's time. I was bored with the same old cauliflower and wanted to do something new with it. I knew I wanted to roast it....then I opened my pantry and there it was......a box of orzo!! Actually. it was a whole wheat orzo which was great to keep this dish on the lighter side. Then one thing led to another with the pine nuts and my toasted bread crumbs. The recipe for the bread crumbs you will find in my Recipe Box. I recommend you preparing these crumbs because there is so much flavor. Even I was surprised with the outcome. This is a fantastic dish with each ingredient bringing it's own flavors, and a nice crunch. A great, light summertime salad. And....I pulled it off. No boring cauliflower for us tonight!!!
ROASTED CAULIFLOWER & ORZO SALAD
1 LB ORZO (REGULAR OR WHOLE WHEAT)
1 WHOLE HEAD OF CAULIFLOWER
1/2 CUP PINE NUTS
1/2 CUP PREPARED BREAD CRUMBS
*****FIND THE RECIPE IN MY RECIPE BOX***
OLIVE OIL
SALT & PEPPER
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking tray with foil. Cut the cauliflower into small florets. drizzle olive oil and season with salt & pepper. Toss gently to coat.
ROASTED CAULIFLOWER & ORZO SALAD
1 LB ORZO (REGULAR OR WHOLE WHEAT)
1 WHOLE HEAD OF CAULIFLOWER
1/2 CUP PINE NUTS
1/2 CUP PREPARED BREAD CRUMBS
*****FIND THE RECIPE IN MY RECIPE BOX***
OLIVE OIL
SALT & PEPPER
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking tray with foil. Cut the cauliflower into small florets. drizzle olive oil and season with salt & pepper. Toss gently to coat.
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Roast in the oven for about 30 minutes or until the cauliflower is just beginning to get a nice brown color in spots.
In the meantime, while that's roasting, you can cook you pasta in salted boiling water as directed on the package. This is a great brand if you have never tried it. When the orzo is done and in a bowl drizzle a bit of olive oil on it and mix.
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Heat 1 Tblsp of olive oil in another small saute pan over a medium heat. Add the pine nuts until lightly toasted. Remove from pan and add in the breadcrumbs to the same pan. Let them toast until golden brown and crunchy.
Now just layer it up...Start with the bowl of orzo and pile on the roasted cauliflower, then the pine nuts and finally the toasted bread crumbs.
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You can drizzle a bit more olive oil on top when serving. This was a delicious creation. I will definitely be making this one a lot......I love when I make up great stuff. And again,,,,in my Grandma's words...."There's all good stuff in there....of course it's gonna be good". Makes sense! ENJOY!!!
