Baked Orzo with Juicy Tomatoes, Olives and Melted Mozzarella

• orzo↗150g g
• olive oil↗½ ст. л. tbsp
• roasted red peppers2

  canned, coarsely chopped

• olives↗жменя

  coarsely chopped

• chili flakes↗велика щіпка
• oregano↗½ ч. л. сухого tsp
• tomatoes↗400g консервованих подрібнених g

  with garlic (if no ready mixture, mince 1 garlic clove into the tomato can)

• mozzarella↗125g кулька g

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 200 °C (180 °C with convection) – gas mark 6. Spread the orzo in a medium baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, add the roasted red peppers, olives, chili flakes and dried oregano. Add the crushed tomatoes, then pour half a can of the tomato sauce into the dish, thinning it with water. Mix well, season, cover with a lid and bake for 20 minutes until the orzo is almost cooked. Remove the dish, stir again, uncover and bake for another 5 minutes until done.

2. 2

   Turn the grill to maximum heat. Remove the orzo dish, tear the mozzarella ball over the top, return it under the grill and bake until the cheese melts and browns. Serve immediately, accompanied by a fresh salad to taste.