Orzo

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

In this delicious dish from Asterix & Obelix, the orzo is toasted before it's cooked, giving the pasta a nice nutty flavor.

People who turn their noses up at rice often find this tiny pasta irresistible. Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 40 min

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 40 min

This is a delicious, low-maintenance alternative to traditional risotto.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 25 min

"Usually I rely on cookbooks or magazines for recipes, but occasionally I develop one of my own," writes Kimberly R. Diamondidis of Germantown, Maryland. "A few years ago, I created this delicious, hearty soup as a new way to enjoy turkey."

Regular button mushrooms are a nice substitute for the portobellos in this side dish.

Sugar snap peas, cucumber, tomatoes, green onions, parsley and mint combine with orzo pasta for a lovely warm-weather salad.

Orzo--the small rice-shaped pasta used here--is available at Italian markets and most supermarkets.

Serve this pilaf-like dish with mango chutney and cold yogurt.

"The recipes here reflect my British roots, but not necessarily my family traditions," writes Mairi Morrison of London, England. "Although my mother is from Scotland and my father is from Northern Ireland, I grew up in Los Angeles, where our weeknight meals were typically American: spaghetti, tacos, and burgers. It wasn't until I moved to Europe that I became really interested in food. Here in London my social life is centered around the table. I really like this dish because it is typically British, and perfect for a rainy winter evening in London." A nice side with lamb, chicken or fish dishes.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Orzo—rice shaped pasta—is easier to find than Arborio rice (the traditional ingredient in risotto) and makes a delicious risotto-style side dish.

In this preparation, orzo is treated like risotto, which produces richer flavors and a creamier texture — with almost no stirring.

A nice side dish for grilled fish or lamb.

If desired, grate a little extra Parmesan cheese for passing; a sprinkling over the soup will echo the flavor in the meatballs.