Fried Sausage & Pepper Orzo

• servings: 4 servings
• active time: 15 minutes
• total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil

4 cups vegetable or chicken stock

4 italian sausage (hot or mild)

1 ½ cups orzo

2 large red peppers (sliced)

1 small yellow onion (sliced)

1 cup mozzarella (shredded)

3 cloves of garlic

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp dried oregano

handful fresh basil (optional)

parmesan (for topping)

Directions

Begin by chopping your red peppers and onions into thin slices. Set aside.

Remove the casings from your italian sausage and chop into bite sized pieces. Set aside.

To a large frying pan add your olive oil. Once hot add your red peppers and onions and cook for 5-7 minutes, just until the veggies begin to soften and brown.

Add your garlic and spices and saute for 2 minutes.

Add your chopped Italian sausage and fry for 3 to 4 minutes on medium heat just until the sausage begins to brown on all sides.

Add your orzo and saute for 1-2 minutes.

Add your vegetable stock and a handful of fresh basil, cover and let simmer on low heat for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked.*TIP: make sure you stir your orzo every few minutes just to avoid it sticking to the bottom of the pan

Once your orzo is cooked and all the stock has been absorbed, add your cheese and mix it one last time.

Top with fresh basil and a healthy amount of parmesan cheese.