ORZO WITH ROASTED PEPPERS AND GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Roast peppers over flame of gas burner, or hot grill, or under the broiler until the skin is blackened and charred.
• Remove from heat and place in a large bowl.
• Cover with plastic wrap and allow to sit until cool enough to handle, about 15-20 minutes.
• With clean paper towels wipe off skin.
• Remove stems and seeds & chop.
• Set aside.
• Heat a large saute pan over medium-high heat, add olive oil.
• When hot enough, add onions and cook until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add diced peppers & minced garlic and saute for about 3 minutes.
• Bring to a boil a large pot with water or chicken or vegetable broth and add the orzo and cook, for about 4-5 minutes, partially cooking, to al dente.
• Drain and reserve pasta water.
• Add orzo to peppers, adding 1 cup of the pasta water.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until pasta is cooked tender and consistency is creamy.
• Stir in olives and goat cheese until melted and well blended.
• Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
• Garnish with parsley, olives and a drizzle of olive oil.