Grain-Sized Italian Pasta
 
Orzo, meaning "barley" in Italian, is so named because of its grain-like shape, but some say that it more closely resembles large grains of rice or melon seeds. No matter how you look at it, Orzo is a quick and versatile pastina (little pasta).

Made with high quality semolina, these Orzo resists mushiness, keeping its shape and pleasurable texture through cooking. Use it in soup, as the Italians do, make a Greek-style pasta salad with salmon, cherry tomatoes, feta and lemon vinaigrette, or serve as an easy side dish with pesto.
 
Cooking time: 6-8 minutes.