Orzo Pistachio Salad

by Brenda Langton, Tastemaker in Residence

Ingredients

1⁄2 cup dried black figs

1⁄2 tsp turmeric

1⁄2 pound (11⁄4 cups) orzo

1⁄2 cup pistachios, coarsely chopped 

1⁄3 cup fresh mint, chopped 

3 green onions, sliced thin 

2 Tbsp lemon juice 

Zest of half a lemon

2 Tbsp olive oil

3⁄4 tsp salt 

Pepper 

Instructions

1. Place the figs in a small bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let them sit in the water for 30 minutes until the figs are plump. Drain the figs well and then chop them. You can skip this step if you have plump, moist figs. 

2. Put some water and the turmeric in a large saucepan and bring the water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook it for 7 to 9 minutes, or until tender. Drain the orzo and set it aside. Do not rinse it. 

3. Toss the orzo with the figs, pistachios, mint, and green onions. 

4. Combine the lemon juice, zest, olive oil, and salt. Stir this dressing into the orzo salad. Add pepper to taste.