Orzo in lemon-spinach sauce

Spinach is one of my favorite accompaniments with pasta. It is so easy to incorporate in any recipe and when pureed, it makes a rich and vibrant sauce. Spinach has a long list of health benefits. It is a rich source of various vitamins like A, C, E, K, B6 and B9 (folate), iron, calcium and many minerals. It is also high in fiber and protein and very low in calories. This recipe combines the goodness of spinach with the goodness of pasta. I have used orzo but any pasta will work. The lemon adds a great zing to the sauce and goes really well with the flavors of this dish. It is a balanced meal in itself or can be eaten as a side.

Serves: 2, Prep. time: 15 minutes, cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

For the blender:

• 4 cups of fresh spinach leaves

• 2 cloves garlic

• 3 tbsp nuts of your choice (optional)

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 tsp ground black pepper

• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper (chili flakes)

• 1/8 cup fresh basil leaves

• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 1/4 red onion

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1/8 cup water

Other ingredients:

• 1 cup orzo (cooked according to package instructions)

• 1 tbsp butter/olive oil

• 2 tbsp flour

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/2 cup corn kernels

• 3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Wash the spinach leaves and add to blender with the rest of the ingredients. Spinach naturally has a high sodium content so be conservative with the salt. Add only 1 tsp at first and after the sauce is cooked, taste it and add more if needed.

2. In a skillet, melt the butter and then add the flour. Whisk to cook the flour and then add the milk, a few tablespoons at a time, whisking continuously so that the flour does not form clumps. The milk will thicken in a few minutes. Add some freshly cracked black pepper in the sauce at this point (optional).

3. Add the blended spinach mixture into the milk sauce along with the corn. Stir everything together and cook until sauce starts bubbling.

4. Then add the cooked orzo, stir and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

5. Finally, add the grated parmesan cheese, stir it through and turn off the heat. Let the pasta sit in the sauce for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Hope you enjoy this recipe!