1/3 cup orzo pasta
1 small eggplant (about 1/2 pound)
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Nonstick cooking spray
1/2 cup chopped red pepper
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 dashes salt
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan and add orzo. Cook for about 8–10 minutes until tender, then drain. Yield should be about 1 cup of pasta; set aside in a medium bowl. Prepare oven for broiling. Cut 1 inch off top and bottom of eggplant and discard. Cut remaining eggplant into small cubes (about I–1 inch in size) and toss in a small bowl with onions and olive oil to lightly coat. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and arrange eggplant and onion pieces on sheet in a single layer. Broil in oven about 2–3 minutes, then turn/stir with spatula. Continue broiling for 4–6 minutes, turning once or twice, until vegetables have softened and eggplant has lightly browned. When cooking is complete, combine vegetables with orzo and other ingredients in medium bowl mixing well. Chill about 2 hours before serving.
Yield: 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10–15 minutes.
Cooking time: 7–9 minutes.
Serving size: 1/2 cup each.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving:
Calories: 112
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Protein: 3 g
Fat: 4 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 43 mg
Fiber: 5 g
Exchanges per serving:
1 carbohydrate, 1 fat.
Carbohydrate choices:
1.