I got a text message from my brother yesterday.

Okay. It wasn’t a text message. He “BBM’ed me”. Whatever that means. All I know is that this little blue circle showed up on my Blackberry screen instead of the little envelope. And apparently there’s some kind of difference between the two that I can’t quite figure out. Then again, I’ve had the phone for six months now. And still haven’t figured out how to set up my voicemail. So this shouldn’t surprise anyone.


I’m dying.

He definitely has a flair for the dramatic, that one. I can’t imagine where he gets it from.

Alright Daniel. What happened.

Your father food poisoned me.

I blame myself for this. My father called me early on Valentine’s Day morning. Asking me why his crockpot pulled pork always gets burnt around the edges (where it touches the sides of the crockpot). Are you using the recipe from my blog Dad? No? Well then I can’t help you.

I knew he was cooking. I could have prevented this. Staged an intervention of some kind. Or gotten some kind of restraining order that would prohibit him from going within 100 feet of the kitchen.

Next time.
But then my brother said something that made me really upset. The orzo was just so rich. He said it was your recipe.

Really Daniel? Because the recipe that he’s referring to has approximately three ingredients. Orzo. Chicken broth. And salt. (Isn’t that the beautify of risotto though – orzotto, in this case. It tastes as if it has been saturated with heavy cream. When really, it’s just starch. What more could you ask for in a pasta dish?)
I know my father, however. And so even though the recipe doesn’t contain any cream. It doesn’t mean he didn’t add any cream.

This warranted a phone call. (Against my better judgment. But it had to be done. My reputation was at stake.)

What did you do?

What do you mean?

You know what I mean. The orzo. What did you put in it.

I used your recipe.

Okay, so you actually went to my blog. Looked up the orzotto recipe. And followed it. Step. By. Step.

Well. I used the recipe from the box. But they’re the same.

That’s obviously not true. Because yours made Daniel sick and mine didn’t.

Silence.

This is why we are not going to use recipes from the sides of boxes anymore. Do you understand?

He sighs. Yes, Joanne.

And for the record. 8 cups of broth does not actually mean 8 cups of butter.

Capisce?
After all that. I was frazzled. To say the least. And felt like I needed to redeem myself. Along with the orzotto. Because really, it didn’t deserve any of this.

So I turned to my trusty Williams-Sonoma Risotto cookbook. Honed in on the recipe for Orzotto with Leeks and Sun-Dried Tomatoes. Made it. Loved it. And here we are.

Orzo. Chicken broth. Leeks. Sun-dried tomatoes. Bell Pepper. Stick to those. And you can’t go wrong.
Orzotto with Leeks and Sun-dried Tomatoes
Serves 4, adapted from Williams-Sonoma Risotto

8 cups broth
2 tbsp olive oil
3 leeks, white parts only
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 lb orzo
1 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
2 tbsp butter

Bring the broth to a simmer. Heat the oil.

Saute the leeks and the pepper until softened (season with salt!), about 4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.

Add the orzo to the pan and saute for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the wine. Cook on medium heat until the wine is almost evaporated, stirring constantly. Add in the simmering stock a ladleful at a time, each time waiting until it is almost all evaporated to add the next ladle.

Stir. Constantly.

When the orzo is tender, stir in the leek/pepper mixture and the sun-dried tomatoes. Cook to heat through. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

I am submitting this to Presto Pasta Nights which is being hosted this week by Mrs Ergul of Mrs Ergul Passion For Life.

You are reading this post on Eats Well With Others at https://joanne-eatswellwithothers.com. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author and or owner of Eats Well With Others. All rights reserved by Joanne Bruno.
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79 Responses to Orzotto with Leeks and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

  1. Pam says:

    Yummy looking dish..I love orzo..yumm!

    Stay warm!

  2. Chou says:

    Your poor brother! Kind of him to share, though, so we could enjoy a good laugh. 🙂

  3. I would like to be eating that right now!

  4. This looks like an excellent combination of flavors!

  5. Luigi says:

    Looks lovely, love that rice shaped pasta.

  6. Nice flavourful dish joanne,looks wonderful..

  7. Paul Wynn says:

    BBM, blackberry messaged ya LOL, Dish looks flavorful but I don’t know if I can get down with it Joanne.. not as adventurus

  8. I love leek and sundried tomatoes … the addition of orzo, just a huge plus!! Great job.

  9. Gulmohar says:

    lol..This is a wonderful combo..so full of flavors..Hope you had a wonderful V day, Joanne 🙂

  10. That looks soooo good Joanne! I have never used orzo but may have to with this recipe.

  11. hahahah..my God..that was hilarious..Orzo Pasta..love the flavours here.. too good clicks..

  12. PJ says:

    Okay, orzo and sun-dried tomatoes — two of my favorite ingredients in one dish.. how come i didn’t think of that yet! looks delicious.

  13. Mari says:

    OMG I love your family! the stories crack me up lol

  14. Bob says:

    8 cups… of butter? Part of me is intrigued while the other parts of me plot that first parts death…

    But the orzotto looks great! I have to admit I’ve never had orzo done like that before, I definitely want to try it.

  15. Mo Diva says:

    for one, i love orzo because I never met a pasta i didnt like. this looks easy and out of this world!

    Is this like creamed orzo??? ive been told I havent lived till i tried creamed orzo

  16. Katerina says:

    I have never cooked orzo before.

    And this must change, I didn’t know you could risotto-fy it!! Brilliant. I will have to try this!

  17. This orzo sounds so yummy! I like the combo of leeks & sun-dried tomatoes!

  18. Haddock says:

    I like that part “I am dying”

  19. Kris says:

    Yum, I lOVE cooking with leeks!

  20. Your conversation with your dad sounds like several I’ve had with my mother!!

  21. Ha Ha ha…hey is that really true Joanne ????
    THe butter part? Reminds me of the time when i hopped by to my pals place supposedly to teach her a thing or 2 about cooking (i had jus begun myself and we were in lower school) and used almost a good whole packet of 500 grams butter pack for indian butter chicken and everybody actually enjoyed the rich rich food…..

    and this sounds so similiar though i couldn eat too muc too….

    Now back to ur recipe ….its fantastic…u jus keep getting better at ur choice of recipes and cooking and pics dont ya sweety?
    Have a great good cheery day babes!!!!

  22. Kim says:

    Your brother sounds pretty funny! I think it is possible that I would love this orzotto more than risotto. Looks delicious.

  23. YIKES! food poisoning. EEP! that happened to me once. NOT FUN!

    banh mi! my sister loves the chicken one. she DREAMS about it. ..
    THEY (vegetables..chinese style) are BOMB@- i picked them all out as MINE!

  24. Andreas says:

    That looks so appetizing…

  25. Mimi says:

    Aren’t you happy you don’t live at home anymore?

    Great looking Orzo

  26. Juliana says:

    Youe orzotto looks great! You just reminded me that I have a bag of orzo…should try the way that you made it…

  27. This post is hilarious… I love your brother’s drama!
    If it’s with sun-dried tomatoes.. it’s a must try. I just love sun-dried tomatoes.

  28. teresa says:

    mmmm, i’ve got to have this dish!

  29. a funny post… just have to get more family trust

  30. Karen says:

    Leeks are my favorite thing! I just got home from shopping and bought some. I have the other ingredients… .I’m going to make this tomorrow! Sounds delicious!

  31. Mmm, I haven’t made an orzotto before, sounds heavenly!

  32. Chef Fresco says:

    Haha your story made me laugh 🙂 The dish looks super tasty. Orzotto is new to me as well.

  33. I think I can sub rice for the orzo, like the last time, as if you remember that with nothing else to do….
    Anyway, if there is a reason, I can’t sub the rice, please let me know.

    In the meanwhile, I have a red velvet cupcake or two to make.

  34. I forgot. I came here to thank you for sharing this great dish with us at My Meatless Mondays. You are the best.

  35. What a GREAT!!! recipe using orzo. I LOVE!!! the combination of leeks and sun dried tomatoes.
    I found your blog via Sugar @ Vanillastrawberryspringfields, she a sweetheart of a friend with an AWESOME!!! blog. I have become a follower of your blog, I love sharing recipes and ideas. Come by and visit maybe you can do the same.
    Geri

  36. Orzo has been on my radar for a few days now taunting me with cravings. I love this! Sun-dried tomatoes and leeks, how deliciouso.

  37. Daniel says:

    I don’t think you sufficiently captured my trauma and pain that accompanied this life threatening experience.

  38. love orzo love leeks need to put them together great recipe

  39. What a great dish! The leeks and sun-dried tomatoes sound delicious in this.

  40. Ruth Daniels says:

    Great post, I do hope your father has learned his lesson.

    Great dish, what an awesome combo and I’m so glad you shared with Presto Pasta Nights. What would we do without your hysterical stories and your awesome dishes.

  41. Amy says:

    Your recipe or the recipe from the box…ya, that’s the same thing. LOL. Eight cups of butter? Seriously??? Why not just drink straight heavy cream from the carton and wait for the coronary!!

    Daniel…I don’t know whether to laugh with him or at him. Can you be considered a drama queen if you’re straight male?

  42. Congratulations, you won the book “Corked” by Kathryn Borel. I’ll have Hachette Book Group send it out to you as soon as you send me your address. My blog e-mail is in my profile.

  43. Karine says:

    I hope your brother is feeling better now.

    Bring on the sun-dried tomatoes, they are amazing with any king of pasta 🙂

  44. Debbi Smith says:

    My mouth is drooling, this looks so good!! yum!

  45. Graziana says:

    LOL, no way parents read our blogs! Lucky you, your father thinks that you are at least able to cook, mine doesn’t!

  46. I think you have redeemed yourself twice over:D

  47. so your dad likes to cook French-style with cream? I can’t say that I blame him,except you can tell him that 1/2 cup of cream or a handful of parmesan is enough.
    Love the fact that you are having trouble with your blackberry; now I know I am not the only one whose technologically challenged!

  48. Joanne says:

    Sorry about your brother but at least he’s lucky to have two people who cook for him.
    Your orzo recipe looks easy and really flavorful.

  49. Jagruti says:

    THIS DISH LOOKS SO DELICIOUS AND MOUTHWATERING!!

    CHEERS

  50. Marisa says:

    Oh dear… 8 cups of butter! At least your dad tried. 🙂

  51. Azita says:

    this dish looks so delicious! like the combination of leeks and sun-dried tomatoes. love your blog!

  52. Pam says:

    I love the combination of flavors you used – it looks delicious.

  53. Nicole, RD says:

    “And for the record. 8 cups of broth does not actually mean 8 cups of butter.”

    This was great! I love your blog, and I am totally making that orzo!!!

  54. this is super yummy! The pics and yummm and the prelude was funny. Have a nice day Joanne!

  55. Debbie says:

    Looks delicious and I love your story…poor Daniel!!!

  56. I can just picture myself eating this while you tell this story. I like stories of your dad cooking!

  57. Shannon says:

    i can’t keep up! how do you have so much time to cook??? 🙂 this sounds delish, great combo of flavors in there!

  58. chrystad72 says:

    omg!! again awesome recipe. Really reminds of a great spring recipe. Im so ready for some warm weather so this will so hit the spot girl! You dad is too funny. haha. At least he tried though! my dad has mastered hot dogs and cheese sandwiches. awesome. lol. ahhh well! Thanks hon for an amazing recipe!

  59. msmeanie says:

    Hah! Your dad sounds hilarious! I have yet to try orzo but I have been wanting to for the longest. This combination sounds fantastic, and you are right you can’t go wrong with those vegetables. Yum!

  60. Mary says:

    Now you know he meant well. I’ll be smiling the rest of the day. Blessings…Mary

  61. I loved the conversation that went on with you and your dad, and your brother… I’m dying..Hilarious! Your orzotto sounds fantastic!

  62. Velva says:

    Another great post! As usual you leave me smiling. Did I mention that I am now craving orzo too?

  63. vickys says:

    I am in love with anything that has leek and sundried tomatoes in it! This is definitely a tasty one! I might even add a tiny bit of grilled artichokes!

  64. Megan says:

    Sounds like a comment I would get from my brother – too funny!

    I love my WS Risotto Book – I haven’t used it in awhile, though.

  65. Kerstin says:

    Looks delicious – sun-dried tomatoes really do make everything better! I think it’s cute your Dad cooks – my Dad can’t even make scrambled eggs!

  66. Shirley says:

    So drama runs in the family ha? Good one!

  67. Katy ~ says:

    No wonder you’re in medical school, grins.

    Your family is adorable.

    And the recipe is delectable.

    thank you so much for sharing such a fine recipe with us.

  68. hahaha what a funny post! No more recipes from the sides of boxes!

    I am having a recipe contest on my blog and I really hope you participate!

  69. I like this recipe. It looks delicious.
    See soon.

  70. Looks so creamy! A must try!

  71. Katie says:

    That orzo looks fantastic. I love leeks!

  72. Debinhawaii says:

    Too funny! I wonder if the whole wheat orzo I buy would work in this. Hmmm…

  73. Looks heavenly! Hope your brother is feeling better. There definitely needs to be an intervention plan in place, lol! When you find out what a BBM is let me know, I have a blackberry too and have no clue – funny that I was able to figure out how to get my blog comments on the thing but can’t figure out anything else 😉

  74. sra says:

    I’ve begun using leeks in a quick dish of scrambled eggs. I love their fragrance, when cut. For us, it’s still a new vegetable, relatively.

  75. Cynthia says:

    Oh my gosh, 8 cups of butter for 8 cups of broth. That is way too funny (and scary lol)! This looks like a simple yet very elegant dish. I love the use of leeks and sun dried tomatoes together! You should serve this to your brother to show him what good food should taste like 😉

  76. Sheskis says:

    Joanne, laughed until my socks came off! Hope your family appreciates your sense of humor and they stay out of the kitchen! Point the immersion blender at them and shout “Step away from the stove”!!

  77. Mmm I big puffy heart sun-dried tomatoes. I haven’t made a good risotto yet, but I haven’t honestly tried. This looks like something I need to try, and cross my heart I’ll follow your exact recipe if I do (except using veggie broth =p).

  78. […] Orzotto with Leeks and Sundried Tomatoes (I blended my sundried tomatoes because I’m too lazy to chop them) […]

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