Have a lonely main dish? This'll keep it company just fine...

ALMOND ORZO

How comforting - a quick dish full of fragrant lovelies like sweet onions, garlic, Parmesan, and toasted almonds.

Perfect with your roasted chicken, broiled salmon, or all by itself with a fork for a moment of contented joy.

I got the inspiration from Sweet Bird...thanks, you! I didn't have any fresh basil, so used dried in the cooking process - good...but fresh would be fab...

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1 tablespoon butter

1 cup sweet onion, diced

1 clove garlic, minced

3/4 cup orzo

1 1/2 cups chicken broth

1 teaspoon dried basil

3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan

1/4 cup sliced almonds

2 tablespoons green onions

In a saucepan, over medium heat, saute the onion and garlic in the butter until just golden. Add the orzo and cook for a minute longer. Stir in the chicken broth and basil. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed.

In a small skillet, over medium heat, toast the almonds, stirring frequently.

Gently stir Parmesan, almonds, and green onions into cooked orzo.