Orzo with Sausage, Peppers and Tomatoes

Ingredients

1 lb orzo pasta
2 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
7 oz mild italian turkey sausage, casings removed
1 garlick clove, minced
2 jarred roasted red bell peppers, sliced
2 plum tomatoes, chopped
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 TBSP chopped fresh italian parsley
1/2 c grated parmesan cheese

Method

Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 c of cooking liquid

Heat oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Add sausage; saute until cooked through, about 4 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute. Add bell peppers, tomatoes and pepper flakes; saute until heated through, about 2 minutes. Add orzo and 1 tablespoon parsley; salt and pepper to taste. Add reserved cooking liquid to moisten if needed.

Top with parsley and Parmesan cheese.

Makes 8 servings
Total cook time: 15 minutes

Beef Stew

This is a recipe that Colin and I found one day in Safeway off a random recipe card that was on a rack. It looked so simple we decided to give it a shot.

By far, one of my most favorite beef stew recipes...hearty, flavorful and different from the norm!

Serves 4 – 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds stewing beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 ¼ stick butter
• 3 medium onions, peeled and coarsely chopped
• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped
• 2 pounds tomatoes, peeled & seeded (or two 28-ounce cans, drained)
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 cups chopped cilantro (1/4 pound)
• 4 cups chopped basil (1/4 pound)
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1 hot red or green pepper, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup water
• Freshly ground black pepper

Method

Place the meat in a Dutch oven and cook, covered, over low heat until it begins to sweat. Without adding any liquid, braise the meat for about 10 minutes, stirring once, Uncover the pan and turn the heat to high. Cook for another 10 minutes, until the liquid evaporates. Add the butter at this point, and cook the meat over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes more, stirring occasionally, until it browns. Next, add the onions and potatoes and cook for 5 more minutes. Puree the tomatoes and add to the pan along with the remaining ingredients, seasoning to taste with pepper. Mix well. Simmer, covered, for 1 hour.