Spicy Grilled Shrimp Orzo

How we make it.

Spicy Grilled Shrimp

2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 teaspoons red chili flake
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Extra virgin olive oil

Coat shrimp with oil and spices, stirring to combine. Grill for 1-2 minutes a side until just barely cooked through, place in bowl and cover with foil to continue cooking.

Orzo Pasta

1 pound orzo, cooked in salted water per package instructions
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 red onion, minced
1 English cucumber, diced
6 ounces feta, cubed
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
5 Fresno peppers, sliced
1/2 cup dill, chopped
1/2 cup parsley, chopped
1/4 cup mint, chopped
1/2 teaspoon pepper flakes

Lemon Dill Dressing

4 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, grated
1 lemon, zest and juice
2 sprigs fresh Dill
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon Black pepper

In a small saucepan heat butter until melted. Add olive oil, grated garlic, dill, lemon juice and zest and turn off heat, letting flavors steep together. Add salt and pepper and let cool. Once cooled remove dill sprig.

Bring 12 cups of water to a boil and season with 3 tablespoons Kosher salt. Cook orzo per package instructions. Drain and place hot pasta in a large bowl. Pour over lemon dill dressing while still hot and stir to combine. Add shrimp, vegetables, feta, herbs and red pepper flakes, stirring to combine. Refrigerate for 2 or more hours and serve chilled or room temperature.

Why we make it.

I love to have friends over for dinner. I especially love having my friends and their kids. My favorite Saturday nights are several families gathered under one roof. Cocktails shaking, music playing, bare feet, no mascara, kids and dogs running amuck. Your house or ours. If it's my house and I'm feeding the crowd I like to have a dinner that I'm sure can cover the crew regardless of what anyone else may bring. Minimal work and maximum mileage. The second thing I need is a dinner that's room temp ready when my friends arrive so I can give the people my full attention. This grilled shrimp orzo feeds a crowd perfectly. It's simple, inexpensive and interesting. The shrimp makes it special enough for a Saturday night. The pasta helps it feed the masses. And best of all, it can sit on the counter, ready when we are. That's why we make it!