Lemon Dill Baked Orzo with Gruyère

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Preheat oven to 400°F. Butter a 2-quart gratin dish or other shallow baking dish and sprinkle with 2 teaspoons zest.

   Step 2

   In a heavy saucepan cook shallot and celery in butter and oil over moderate heat, stirring, until celery is softened. Add flour and cook mixture, stirring, 3 minutes. Add broth in a stream, whisking, and bring to a boil, whisking. Add remaining 1 teaspoon zest and salt and pepper to taste and simmer sauce, whisking, until thickened, about 3 minutes.

   Step 3

   In a kettle of salted boiling water cook orzo until just al dente, about 6 minutes, and drain well. In a large bowl stir together orzo, sauce, dill, and Gruyère and transfer to prepared dish.

   Step 4

   Bake orzo in middle of oven 30 minutes, or until bubbling and slightly crusty.