Orzotto Recipes

BROCCOLI CHEDDAR ORZOTTO

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat, then add the onion and garlic and saute until softened, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Add the orzo and stir until thoroughly mixed with the onion and garlic and coated in the butter, a minute or so. Add a third of the broth and stir gently, then bring to the boil. Add the dry mustard, cayenne, salt and pepper and cook until the liquid has been absorbed by the orzo, 3 to 4 minutes, then add another third of the broth. Cook, stirring, until this, too, has been absorbed, another 3 to 4 minutes.
• Add the broccoli followed by the remaining broth and the pimientos, then bring to the boil. Cook until the broccoli and orzo are almost cooked, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the cheeses, stirring, and cook until completely melted and smooth and the broccoli and orzo are cooked through, another 1 to 2 minutes.
• Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
• Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with the fresh parsley.

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.

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.

BEETROOT ORZOTTO

Steps:

• Heat a little oil in a saucepan, add the onion and cook for 8 mins until soft.
• Add the beetroot, plus any juice from the pack, the orzo, hot stock and a little seasoning to the pan. Bubble until the stock has been absorbed and the orzo is cooked through, about 15 mins.
• Add the dill and taste for seasoning. Serve in shallow bowls with the feta and reserved dill fronds scattered on top.

MUSHROOM AND PEA ORZOTTO

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add mushrooms and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 10 to 15 minutes. Add garlic, oregano, and thyme; cook 1 minute, stirring often. Add orzo and cook until lightly toasted, 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often. Pour in wine and cook until mostly evaporated, 1 to 2 minutes more.
• Pour chicken broth into the pot gradually and bring to a simmer. Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and cook until orzo is softened, 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Uncover the pot and stir in frozen peas. Cook until peas are warmed through, about 1 minute. Remove pot from heat, add Pecorino-Romano cheese and cream and stir to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

CREAMY CHEESY ORZOTTO

Steps:

• Heat the broth in a small saucepan and keep warm.
• Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the rosemary and shallot to the oil, then cook for a minute. Add the orzo, red pepper flakes and garlic and cook, stirring, for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Deglaze with the wine and add the warm broth. Allow the broth to come to a simmer, then cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in the cream, cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes and kale. Cook until the kale wilts and the sauce is thick and creamy, an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
• Garnish with the parsley and serve.

LEMON-BASIL ORZOTTO

Steps:

• In a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and saute until fragrant and translucent. Add the orzo and toast for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the wine and cook until absorbed.
• Gradually add the chicken stock, stirring frequently. Bring to a simmer, lower the heat, and cover. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until the liquid is almost absorbed and orzo is tender. Remove from the heat.
• Stir in peas, Parmesan, fresh basil, lemon zest, heavy cream, and lemon juice. Season the orzo with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve.

ORZOTTO

Steps:

• In a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add the onion and saute until fragrant and translucent. Add the orzo or barley and toast for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the wine and cook until absorbed.
• Gradually add the stock, stirring frequently. Bring to a simmer and cover; cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the liquid is almost absorbed and orzo or barley is tender. Remove from heat.
• Stir in the vegetables, grated cheese, fresh herbs or aromatics, heavy cream, and vinegar. Season the orzotto with salt and pepper and serve.
• Orzotto Variations:
• Lemon-Asparagus Orzotto: add 1/2 cup steamed diced fresh asparagus, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and zest from 1/2 lemon.
• Mushroom-Orzotto: 1 cup wild or culitvated mushrooms. Substitute chicken or beef stock with mushroom stock. Add 3/4 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme leaves and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
• Sweet Corn with Bacon Orzotto: Add 1/2 cup sweet corn, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon.