BBQ Sidedish

Happy 4th of July.  For everyone needing something impressive to bring along to a friends BBQ, this is one of my favorite.  It's not exactly all American but if you are like me and treat every holiday like Mardi Gras it's perfect.

Mediterranean Orzo

1/2 lb orzo al dente

A good swirl of Olive oil
1 med red onion chopped
2 large cloves garlic minced
1 can garbanzo beans drained and rinsed
2 zucchini
2 yellow squash
Large handful of mint and parsley chopped
juice of 1 lemon
2c cooked orzo

In a huge shallow pan saute the onion in oil for a minute or so over medium high heat, however long it takes you to chop the garlic.  Add the garlic and drained garbanzo beans ( I usually forget the beans and end up putting them in later, don't do this it isn't near as creamy.)  If you hate garbanzo beans Sorry.  I love them and they are good for you.  Suck it up.  At this point I use my mandolin to slice the zucchini and squash straight into the saute pan. I like them barely cooked. Immediately drain the orzo and stir it in along with the lemon s/p and chopped herbs.  I know the mint sounds odd but trust me it is delicious, and it makes up for the garlic breath.  This is great at any temperature, and the longer it sits the better the flavor.  A small warning though after 3 days the onions start to turn everything purple.  If you have the option grilling the vegetables before tossing with the other ingredients, it would make this extra delicious.  Enjoy.