Cheesy Orzo

My mom started making cheesy orzo as a side dish a few years ago. It's simple and easy and soooooo delicious. And I decided if you throw in a vegetable, it can upgrade from side dish to main course.

Cheesy Orzo:

• 1 cup orzo
• 1 14 oz can vegetable broth
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Dash of garlic powder

Bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a small pot. Add the orzo and the peas. Turn the temperature to a low setting. Let cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with garlic powder and stir in cheese until melted. Put into a bowl and eat up!


A few tips about this recipe:

• I cook this orzo (which is pasta) like you would cook rice, with a 2 to 1 ratio, 2 parts liquid to 1 part orzo.
• Though I think the cheese is the best part, vegans could easily leave out the cheese. And I am sure vegan cheese would be great, as long as it's a cheese that melts well.
• Feel free to substitute parmesan or whatever your favorite cheese is for the mozzarella.