Tantalizing Summer Recipes

Tantalizing Summer Recipes

Now that we've all adjusted to the fact that the summer heat is here to stay and the big ‘honey, break out the grill' cry has morphed into ‘it's too hot outside to grill', it's time to start thinking about some easy alternatives to get us thru the rest of the dog days of summer...
This dish is one that I hear tastes even better the next day, so prepare and refrigerate the day before serving for even richer flavors!

Mediterranean Shrimp and Orzo Salad

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes

¼ cup of olive oil
12 scallions, thinly sliced
1 tsp. saffron
2 cups raw orzo
4 cups chicken broth
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
¼ pound salami, julienned

1 red pepper, julienned
1 yellow pepper, julienned
½ cup parsley, chopped
Sea salt to taste
Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Heat oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add the scallions and sauté for 5 minutes or until wilted. Add the saffron and cook 2 minutes longer. Add the orzo and stir, coating grains well with the oil. Pour in the chicken broth and stir. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook over low heat for 20 minutes or until the orzo is done and the liquid has been absorbed. Let cool.

Meanwhile, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Add the shrimp and immediately remove from heat. Cover and let stand for 2 minutes. Drain shrimp and reserve. Transfer the orzo to a large bowl, and add the shrimp, salami, red and green peppers, parsley, salt, and pepper. Toss thoroughly and serve at room temperature.