Side Dishes

This Calabrian chili orzo with vegetables is a fabulous side dish that is perfect when paired with salmon. The heat is toned down by the addition of crème fraîche.

Ingredients
  • 6 ounces orzo
  • 2 tablespoons creme fraiche
  • 1 teaspoon Calabrian chili paste, or more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 zucchini, or 2 if small, cut lengthwise and sliced into half moons
  • 1/2 cup sliced sweet peppers
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced, or more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Step By Step Method
  1. Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil, add orzo, and cook, uncovered, until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Turn off the heat, drain thoroughly, and return orzo to the pot. Add crème fraîche and Calabrian chili paste. Set aside and keep warm.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil. Once oil is shimmering, add vegetables, and saute for 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, and sauté until fragrant, about 45 seconds. Add Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper. Remove vegetables from heat.
  3. Gently stir vegetables into orzo. Serve immediately.