Our first complaint was that the main dish wasn't spicy at all. The original recipe calls for shrimp and chorizo - I used only chicken. I'm sure the chorizo would have added some much-needed spice and overall flavor. It ended up being very mild, almost bland, and too watery:
I figured the cheesy orzo would be a winner, but unfortunately it didn't turn out the way I'd hoped. For starters, the name is cheesy orzo but the recipe didn't actually say to add the cheese to the orzo. I figured that's where it went because of the name, but I didn't feel like buying manchego cheese so I subbed plain old cheddar. It was fine, but it didn't wow either of us:
The roasted green beans were really the highlight of the meal. Like all roasted veggies, this couldn't have been simpler - just trim the beans and toss them with oil, salt and pepper and roast them at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes:
All in all this was not a winner, but I can't really blame the recipe since I made so many changes.
your picture looks so much like hers. it's a shame it didn't come together as you had hoped.
ReplyDeleteI haven't roasted green beans yet, only steamed or sauteed. I should try that.
Melissa - This was my first time roasting green beans and I have to say, they turned out great. I like how easy it is to roast veggies.
ReplyDeleteI like the different flavor veggies get when they are roasted. That is the only way I will eat asparagus now!
ReplyDeleteI need to try the green beans like this...I usually just saute them with a little hickory bacon! Are they still crisp roasted?
Jessy - The green beans are really good this way, but they aren't crispy (at least mine weren't). I guess if you leave them in for less time they could be.
ReplyDeleteTell me more about sauteed green beans with bacon!
Well, first you need to own a wok. A little EVOO, diced bacon, minced/pressed garlic, chopped onion (optional), and fresh whole green beans (or you can use the frozen whole ones - those are good too).
ReplyDeleteHeat the oil and cook the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon once cooked and toss the minced/pressed garlic into the oil. Add the green beans about 45 seconds after the garlic. Saute until the beans have started to obtain a caramel color but are still crisp. Toss the bacon back in and season with a little salt and fine ground pepper.
Sometimes I throw in some fresh dill at the end - it just depends how I feel. Sometimes I add ginger and season with soy sauce.
Anyway you make it...they are so yummy and addictive!