Orzo With Peas And Pancetta Recipes

PEAS & PANCETTA

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a medium (10-inch) saute pan, add the pancetta and shallot, and cook over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pancetta is browned and the shallot is tender. Add the frozen peas, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook over medium-low heat for 4 to 5 minutes, until the peas are hot. Stir in the mint, taste for seasonings, and serve hot.

CREAMY ORZO WITH PROSCIUTTO AND PEAS

Steps:

• Whisk together the eggs and Parmesan in a small bowl. Set aside.
• Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the prosciutto and cook until beginning to brown and get crispy, 4 minutes. Add the shallots and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, until softened and fragrant, 2 minutes. Stir in the orzo and toast for 3 minutes. Add 3 1/4 cups water and the salt, reduce the heat to medium low and simmer for 8 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking. Stir in the tomatoes and peas. Cook until the orzo is al dente, another 3 minutes.
• Off the heat, add the egg mixture to the skillet while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Continue stirring until the sauce has thickened slightly and coats the pasta. Sprinkle with the basil and serve.

ORZOTTO WITH PANCETTA & PEAS

Steps:

• Put the pancetta in a large, deep frying pan over a medium-high heat and fry until crisp and golden. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon, transfer to a plate and set aside. Reduce the heat, add the onion along with a pinch of salt and fry in any leftover fat for 5 mins. Add the garlic and continue to fry for a further 3 mins.
• Increase the heat and stir in the orzo. Fry for 2 mins, stirring constantly, then pour in 500ml stock and bring to a simmer. Add more stock by the ladleful, stirring constantly, as the orzo absorbs the liquid (similar to cooking a risotto).
• After 5 mins, stir in the petit pois and bring the mixture to a simmer. Continue to add the remaining stock, stirring, as the mixture cooks. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through. Add the lemon zest and juice, basil, parmesan and fried pancetta. Season to taste, then cover and leave to rest for 2 mins. Serve with extra parmesan sprinkled over the top.

ORZOTTO WITH PEAS

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and saute until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the orzo and toast for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the wine (or stock) and cook until absorbed, about 1 minute.
• Gradually add 3 cups chicken stock, stirring frequently. Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat and cover. Cook until the liquid is almost absorbed and the orzo is tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.
• Stir in the peas, parmesan, basil, heavy cream and lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper. Top each serving with more parmesan.