Orzo with Roasted Vegetables

Image Courtesy of Hungry Hannah

My neighbor Jessica made this, and it was so good I asked for the recipe. It's a bit time consuming, but worth it. 

INGREDIENTS:

• 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 teaspoons kosher salt 
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 
• 1/2 pound orzo 

For the dressing: 

• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons) 
• 1/3 cup good olive oil 
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt 
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 

To assemble: 

• 4 scallions, minced (white and green parts) 
• 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted 
• 3/4 pound good feta, 1/2-inch diced (not crumbled) 
• 15 fresh basil leaves, cut into chiffonade 

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. 

Toss the eggplant, bell peppers, onion, and garlic with the olive oil, salt, and pepper on a large baking sheet. Roast for 40 minutes, until browned, turning once with a 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, pignolis, feta, and basil. Check the seasonings, and serve at room temperature. 

Original Recipe:  Barefoot Contessa