Sunday, June 15, 2008

Greek Orzo and Shrimp with Mustard-Dill Vinaigrette

Living in Los Angeles and working in entertainment, we see celebrities every day. I never get starstruck, but today I almost crapped my pants when I saw Wolfgang Puck at the Beverly Hills Farmer's Market. My college roommate and I used to watch his Food Network show and we would constantly turn to each other and ask "what did he just say?". However, despite his indecipherable accent, he is a food legend. So in honor of Wolfgang, and as is my new Sunday ritual, I headed home to cook with my amazing produce (which I just HAD to take a pretty pic of). First up, Greek Orzo and Shrimp Salad with Mustard-Dill Vinaigrette.

Greek Orzo and Shrimp Salad with Mustard-Dill Vinaigrette
(Adapted from Bobby Flay)

1/2 pound orzo
about 3 c organic, free range chicken broth
1 Japanese cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
3/4 pint grape tomatoes, halved
2 green onions thinly sliced
1/8 c fresh dill, chopped
1/8 c white wine vinegar
1 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/4 c olive oil
salt and pepper
8 oz light feta cheese, diced
12 medium shrimp, peeled and de-veined

In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil and add orzo. Simmer until al dente, about 10 minutes and drain if necessary. Set orzo aside to cool. Place dill, vinegar, and mustard in a blender and blend until smooth. With the motor running, slowly add the olive oil and blend until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour vinaigrette over orzo and combine well. Add tomatoes, cucumber and green onions. Gently fold in the feta cheese.

Heat a grill or skillet to high and season shrimp with salt and pepper. If grilling, brush shrimp with olive oil. cook for approximately 2 minutes on each side until shrimp is just cooked through. Divide orzo salad onto separate plates and top each with 4 shrimp. Garnish with additional dill if desired.

This is AWESOME!! My grill is not up and running right now, so I just did the shrimp in a skillet, but the combination of fresh flavors is perfect for the summer. I ate this at room temperature, but even cold it would be just as good.

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2 comments:

Anonymous said...

oh my god!! you saw Wolfgang?? Did you speak to him... not that you would have been able to understand a word he said..lol!!! I'm so enjoying reading your recipes.. as surprising as this might sound.. i'm actually starting to cook! :)

Esi said...

Haha! Remember when we couldn't tell what he was saying when he said "Live, Love Eat"? I am so glad you are starting to cook!