Orzo with Indian Spices, Almonds and Raisins

This orzo dish turns out to be like a creamy risotto and is a wonderful side dish.  I cook it in chicken broth or water and add the spices and then when it’s almost cooked, add the toasted almonds and raisins.  Add more liquid throughout the cooking process to keep it creamy because the liquid evaporates and is incorporated into the pasta as it cooks.  I use a heat proof spatula to make sure I scrape the bottom of the pan as it cooks so it doesn’t stick.  Orzo is a rice shaped pasta and cooks in 10-12 minutes and is also great as a base for pasta salad and served cold. Click here for the recipe….