Creamy Orzo with Porcini

Ingredients

• 1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms rinsed in cold water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion finely chopped coarse salt and ground pepper
• 11/2 cups orzo
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. 1
   Place mushrooms in a medium bowl; add 2 cups warm water. Let soak until softened, about 30 minutes. Drain in a sieve lined with a paper towel or coffee filter, reserving liquid. Squeeze mushrooms to remove excess liquid; roughly chop.
2. 2
   Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add orzo; cook, stirring often, until orzo is golden brown and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. 3
   Add porcini, reserved liquid, and 21/2 cups water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer, stirring often, until orzo has absorbed most liquid and is creamy, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in Parmesan; season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle parsley on top.