Greek Baked Orzo

Yield: 4-6 servings 

This recipe belongs to Lindsay from Pinch of Yum. It is warm, hearty, and the perfect fall dish!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/2 onion, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 2 cups kale, chopped

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano

• a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 3 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 cup uncooked orzo

• one 14-ounce can diced fire-roasted tomatoes

• 1–2 cups cooked chicken or chickpeas

• 2 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• 1–2 tablespoons butter (optional)

• 1/2 cup feta for topping (optional)

• 3 tablespoons dill for topping (optional)

• lemon squeezies for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. 1.  Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. 2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion. Saute for 5 minutes or until soft.
3. 3. Add the garlic, red pepper, kale, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt. Saute for 5 minutes or until the kale is wilted.
4. 4. Add the tomato paste. Saute for 1-2 minutes. 
5. 5. Add the orzo, canned tomatoes, chicken or chickpeas, and broth. Bring to a simmer. 
6. 6. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the orzo is soft.
7. 7. Finish by stirring in butter, crumbling feta over the top, and dusting with some fresh dill, lemon juice, and freshly ground black pepper.
   

If you want the feta to get soft, just crumble and then put it back in the oven for 5 minutes or so before serving.