My dear friend, Ashley, just got married to her college sweetheart. Ashley and I were roommates in college and I vividly remember her coming home from her first date with Kostas, totally smitten. I loved sitting at their wedding remembering the beginning of their love story. And, I just adored their wedding favors – orzo pasta in a mason jar with a recipe for one of their favorite recipes, Kritheraki. Kostas is Greek and also a very good cook. I have made the Kritheraki twice now and it is fabulous and so easy! Both times we couldn’t wait for dinner and ate most of it out of the pan. I didn’t have feta cheese in the house, so I added chopped Greek olives and it was wonderful.
1 cup Misko Orzo
2 14 ounce cans of chicken broth
1/2 can of diced, stewed tomatoes
About 2 tablespoons of olive oil
In a small 6 quart pot, bring the chicken broth, tomatoes, and olive oil to a boil, then add the orzo pasta, making sure to stir often to stop it from sticking. After about 20 minutes, most of the liquid should be absorbed. At this point, place a lid on the pot and the remainder of the liquid will absorb into the Kritheraki. After about 5 minutes, you can remove the lid, and serve with a sprinkle of feta cheese on top.
Notes: I added additional chicken broth to the pasta towards the end of cooking and right before serving. My orzo was a little dry without the additional liquid at the end. Enjoy!
* Here are some pictures of the favors, with a darling little note that accompanied the recipe.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I was a little worried that my Italian orzo from Trader Joe’s recommended a 9 minute cooking time, and this recipe had you simmering 20 minutes before you put the lid on for another 5 to finish absorbing the broth! But somehow it was fine…the orzo and sauce comes together in a nice comfort food mixture and I completley agree with the chopped Greek olive addtion…that and the feta eliminate the need for other spices. So easy and really good….easy to transport too.
This post just put a huge smile on my face. I am so thrilled you made it and loved it! This is a favorite in the Greek culture and in our household! I ordered way too many bags from Greece of the pasta so be on the look out for a care package filled with Misko Pasta!!! xo
Thanks for introducing me to such a fabulous dish! I’ve been making this at least once a week since your wedding. I will happily accept any Misko Pasta you send my way! Thanks, Ash! Love you, B