Perfect Summer Fare

Perfect Summer fare for picnics or potlucks -- summertime events -- is The Barefoot Contessa's Orzo with Roasted Vegetables. Fresh vegetables are abundant at the Farmer's Market and the eggplant, peppers and onions that this dish calls for can be found among the stalls at the market.

It's a dish with an oil dressing rather than a mayonnaise one which makes it a perfect dish for picnics or potlucks. It travels well.
I make this often in the summer -- both for us and for when I need to take a dish.
When I take it to potlucks, I always bring home an empty dish. Plus . . . it's the only one on the table. Not one of many (as potato salads or coleslaws often are)
Not only is it easy. Not only does it taste good. It's a pretty dish as well.

Orzo with Roasted Vegetables
(Barefoot Contessa Parties)

1 small eggplant, peeled and 3/4 inch diced
1 red bell pepper, 1 inch diced
1 yellow bellpepper, 1 inch diced
1 red onion, peeled and 1 inch diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup good olive oil
1 1/2 t. kosher salt
1/2 t. freshly ground black pepper

1/2 pound orzo

Dressing:
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 lemons)
1/3 cup good olive oil
1 t. kosher salt
1/2 t. freshly ground black pepper.

To Assemble:
4 scallions, minced (white and green parts)
1/4 cup pine nuts
3/4 pound good feta, 1/2 inch diced (not crumbled)
15 fresh basil leaves, cut into julienne

Preheat the oven to 425.

Toss the eggplant, peppers, onion and garlic with the olive oil, salt and pepper on a large sheet pan. 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, pine nuts, feta and basil. Check the seasonings and serve at room temperature.