Buttery Garlic Orzo

I like trying new things, and recently decided to try cooking orzo. Orzo is a pasta, though it looks similar to long grain rice, and has a texture resembling al dente spaghetti. It actually cooks fairly quickly and takes on a good savory flavor in this recipe, partially due to the qualities of fresh garlic. Can I just say that I love cooking with fresh garlic? Garlic powder is good but fresh garlic is GREAT!

Orzo served with chicken

Ingredients:
2 cups dry orzo
Water
1 clove garlic
3 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Start by placing the orzo in a pan or skillet and adding just enough water to cover it. Since orzo is difficult to drain (it tends to fall through a normal colander), it's easiest to use just the amount of water that it will absorb while cooking. Bring water to a boil and cook orzo, stirring periodically. Meanwhile, mince garlic.

When orzo is cooked al dente and water is absorbed, add garlic and butter and continue to cook. At this point, you are basically sautéing the orzo and garlic in the butter. Remember, fresh garlic can be bitter when raw, so contine to stir the orzo and cook for a few minutes till garlic bits are transparent. Add parmesan and stir thoroughly. Serve onto plates and garnish with a little extra butter and sprinkle of parmesan. Enjoy!