Light and fresh orzo works great as a side dish when served with crispy Pan Seared Trout.
As with all of my recipes, I recommend using my specialty blend of herbs and spices - LadyRen Chef’s Blend. Learn more about it here
Author: Renate A. Moore
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:
1 box (14-ounce) Orzo
1 clove garlic, minced
½ cup olive oil, divided
½ cup each – fresh basil and parsley, chopped
1 large lemon, zested and juiced
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
½ - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese, optional
4 large fresh trout fillets, rinsed *(see note)
2 tablespoons LadyRen Chef’s Blend Seasoning *(see note)
2 tablespoons capers
Instructions:
1.Bring a large saucepan of salted water and a teaspoon of oil to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until tender, 8-9 minutes. (Don’t make it mushy). Before draining, remove 1/3 cup of the pasta water and set aside.
2. Return the pot to the stove over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons olive oil and heat gently, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and simmer for 1 minute, stirring to prevent burning.
3. Add in the cooked orzo and the 1/3 cup of reserved pasta liquid. Stir to combine.
4. Add 1 teaspoon of LadyRen Chef’s Blend seasoning.
5. Sprinkle in the chopped basil, parsley, lemon zest and parmesan cheese (if using).
6.Taste for flavor, add more salt and freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Note: *If you do not have LadyRen Chef’s Blend Seasoning, use a mix of granulated garlic, sweet paprika, salt, freshly ground black pepper, lemon pepper, creole seasoning, herbs de Provence, and any other of your favorite herbs and spices.
Fish: To avoid the ‘fishy’ tase of fish, try my method: Rinse then soak the trout fillets in a bowl of cold tap water and juice of 1 lemon (add the lemon rind to the water) and ½ teaspoon salt. Let sit for 3 – 4 minutes then drain, rinse and pat dry with paper towels before cooking.
Pan Seared Trout with Lemon Dressing:
· Drizzle the fillets with olive oil.
· Season liberally with LadyRen Chef’s Blend seasoning.
· Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to a non-stick skillet and heat over medium-high heat.
· Line a plate with paper towels (to rest the fish after cooking).
· Using tongs, carefully add the fillets to the hot oil. Cook in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan.
· Cook for 3 minutes then flip and cook for another 3 minutes.
· Remove and place on paper towels to drain.
To the same pan add 1 more tablespoon olive oil, then add the capers and 2 teaspoons lemon juice and sprinkle of LadyRen Chef’s Blend Seasoning. Simmer for 30 seconds – 1 minute. Pour the dressing over the fillets.
Serve hot with Lemon Herb Orzo.