Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • 3 Tbs. tomato paste
  • 16 oz. dry orzo pasta
  • 1 large fennel bulb, cut into 16 wedges
  • 2 medium carrots, diced (2 cups)
  • 1 large onion, chopped (2 cups)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs.)
  • 1 28-oz. can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 2 15-oz. cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

Method

  • Cover sun-dried tomatoes with 3/4 cup boiling water in bowl.
  • Soak 30 minutes.
  • Stir in tomato paste, and set aside.
  • Cook orzo according to package directions; drain, and set aside.
  • Coat Dutch oven with cooking spray, and heat over medium-high heat.
  • Add fennel; top with carrots and onion, and cook 5 minutes without stirring.
  • Stir, and saute 5 minutes more.
  • Stir in garlic, and cook 30 seconds.
  • Stir in fire-roasted tomatoes, beans, and sun-dried tomato mixture.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 20 minutes.
  • Serve over orzo.