Home Economics 

QUICK AND EASY MICROWAVE MEALS     

Recipe: Tomato Orzo Risotto         

Seniors learned how to make a meat free meal using ingredients from the cupboard. Some of our students are learning how to use the microwave. This week, they tried making a risotto using risoni or orzo pasta. Students remembered to use gloves and carefully lift the lid away from them to check on the pasta. You can add your favourite vegetables to this risotto. Students that didn’t like tomato were surprised how tasty the risotto was. 

Ingredients serves 2 to 3 and is ready under 20 minutes. Double ingredients for more serves.

1 x 400g can chopped tomatoes.

2 garlic cloves peeled and finely grated.

2 tablespoons oil

½ teaspoon dried oregano

150g dried orzo pasta

250ml hot vegetable stock

40g Parmesan, finely grated plus extra to serve.

Instructions:

1. Put the tomatoes, garlic, oil, oregano and orzo in a large, deep microwaveable bowl or casserole.

       2.  Add a good pinch of salt and a few twists of ground black pepper. Stir in the stock. The              pasta should be completely covered by the liquid.

       3.  Cover and cook on high for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender, stirring                             halfway. Stir in the Parmesan, cover and leave to stand for 2-3 minutes before serving                with more cheese. 

Upper juniors learned how to prepare jacket potatoes using the microwave and different potato fillings. Students enjoyed the filling quick and easy meal. 

INGREDIENTS:                                                                EQUIPMENT:

4 medium potatoes                            Scrubbing brush, chopping board,

2 cups shredded cabbage        knife, peeler, grater, cup, medium bowl

1 small carrot                       wooden spoon, tablespoon, dessertspoon

2 spring onions

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 cup grated cheese

½ cup sour cream or yoghurt

2 rashers bacon, cooked 

PROCEDURE:

1.   Scrub potatoes and carefully cut a cross in each potato. Prick the potatoes 3 – 4 times   all over with fork. Place on a microwavable plate. Microwave potatoes on high for 12     minutes. Leave potatoes to stand for 2 minutes and then check if cooked through.

        2.   Grate carrot, finely chop cabbage and spring onions. Mix vegetables and mayonnaise                 or cheese and bacon filling. 

       3.   Spoon the cheese, sour cream and bacon or the cheese, cabbage, spring onion and                       carrot. Or add your favourite ingredients.