Orzo with Roasted Bell Peppers and Edamame (2 banana difficulty)

I like edamame (soybeans) especially the steamed edamame coated in salt you get at a sushi restaurant.  Well, the individual edamame kernels go nicely with rice and pasta dishes.  In this recipe 'this monkey' has chosen to use whole wheat orzo pasta since the cook time is equivalent to that edamame kernels.  Let's get started!

WHAT YOU NEED:

2 c Whole Wheat Orzo Pasta

2 c Edamame Kernels (frozen)**

2-3 Bell Peppers (Red and/or Yellow work best for Roasting)

1/2 Red onion (1/2" slices)

1/2 c Dried Cranberries

1/2 c Walnuts (Roughly chopped)

Balsamic Vinegar

Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Kosher Salt (to taste)

Freshly Ground Pepper (to taste)

**If you are lucky enough to live near an Asian grocery store, then buy the Edamame there since it will be relatively cheap.  Some nicer/specialty grocers will carry Edamame, but it may not be worth the price.  I believe frozen peas would be a good substitute.**

WHAT TO DO:

1.  Start Roasting the Peppers -- http://www.anymonkeycan.com/2011/03/roasting-peppers-1-banana-technique.html 

2.  Coat the sliced onions & grill over Medium High heat 3-5 min per side. 

3.  Bring 2 quarts (8 c) of water & 1 t of Salt to a rapid boil in a large pot & add Orzo & Edamame.  Cook until Orzo & Edamame are tender (5-8 min)

4.  Strain the Orzo & Edamame in a colander, then immediately mix in the Dried Cranberries.

(Adding the Cranberries here will soften & warm them)

5.  Chop up the Roasted Bell Peppers & Grilled Onions
6.  Mix everything in a large bowl
7.  Serve (Hot or Cold) drizzled lightly with the Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar, a sprinkle of the Walnuts as well as a pinch of Salt & grind of Black Pepper. 

Personally this dish is best served cold!

OTHER OPTIONS:

Feel free to saute the peppers and onions instead of the Roasting process
Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese

Well, there you have it.  A unique & easy tasty pasta dish that 'anymonkeycan' make!