Orzo with Roasted Vegetables

I made this recipe with friends several weeks ago.  It takes some time to chop the vegetables, but otherwise is a simple recipe to make.  A great summer dish to serve your family and eat the leftovers for lunch!

1 small eggplant, peeled and 3/4-inch diced
1 red bell pepper, 1-inch diced
1 yellow bell pepper, 1-inch diced
1 red onion, peeled and 1-inch diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup good olive oil
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 pound orzo or rice-snapped pasta

For the dressing:
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
1/3 cup good olive oil
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

To assemble:
4 scallions, minced (white and green parts)
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
3/4 pound good feta (optional)
15 fresh basil leaves, cut into julienne

*Note - I use less olive oil than the recipe calls for - only what I need to coat the vegetables.  Also, I sprinkle the feta lightly over the dish.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Toss the eggplant, bell peppers, onion, and garlic with the olive oil, salt, and pepper on a large sheet pan.  Roast for 20 minutes, until browned, turing once with spatula.

Meanwhile, cook the orzo in boiling salted water for 7 to 9 minutes, until tender.  Drain and transfer to a large serving bowl.  Add the roasted vegetables to the pasta, scraping all the liquid and seasonings from the roasting pan into the pasta bowl.

For the dressing, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper and pour on the pasta and vegetables.  Let cool to room temperature, then add the scallions, pine nuts, feta, and basil.  Check the seasonings and serve at room temperature.

Recipe from Barefoot Contessa Parties, foodnetwork.com.

enjoy -
leanne