We all know that eating carrots is good for us, but I recently read an article stressing the importance of eating them everyday.  Great for our eyesight and skin in particular, the beta carotene, multitude of vitamins, and high fiber content really do make these root vegetables high on our ‘to-eat’ list.

With carrots on the brain, I was thrilled to come across this clever recipe for a carrot-centric side dish.  A lovely carrot-infused orzo that is created with the risotto-method of cooking.  Meaning, you toast the uncooked orzo in butter and oil to begin, and then slowly add in warm liquid, ladle by ladle, until it is absorbed and the orzo is tender to the tooth.  The liquids you are using here are carrot juice mixed with chicken stock which gives a rich color and concentrated carrot flavor to the overall dish.  You also add in matchstick carrots to the dish for texture, and finish it off with a crumbling of feta cheese and some fresh mint for a bright flavor.  This is such a lovely dish that I highly recommend that you try!

(To view this recipe, click on the following link: http://www.bhg.com/recipe/carrot-orzotto/)

Tagged: Better Homes & Gardens, carrot juice, carrot orzo, carrot orzotto, carrots, feta cheese, fresh mint, lemon juice, matchstick carrots, orzo, orzotto, pasta, risotto-method, side dish, vegetarian