Beetroot Orzotto Recipes

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.

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.

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.

ORZOTTO WITH ZUCCHINI AND PESTO

Steps:

• For the pesto: In a small food processor or blender, combine pine nuts (optional), garlic and basil. Pulse to chop, then while continuing to pulse, slowly pour in the oil to make a chunky mixture; do not purée. Transfer to a small bowl, and add the Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano. Mix well, and season with salt, pepper and chili flakes to taste. Set aside.
• For the orzotto: Place vegetable broth in a small saucepan and bring to a bare simmer. In another small saucepan, bring 2 cups of lightly salted water to a bare simmer. In a skillet over medium heat, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil and onion, and sauté until soft and translucent, 5 to 10 minutes. Add orzo and sauté until lightly toasted, 1 to 2 minutes. Add wine and sauté until evaporated. Season lightly with salt.
• Add 1 cup hot broth and simmer, stirring constantly, until liquid is almost absorbed. Add 1 cup hot water and repeat. Continue to alternately add broth and water 1/2 cup at a time until orzotto is tender; total cooking time will be 16 to 20 minutes and all the broth or water may not be needed. The finished orzo should be golden yellow (add too much water and the flavor will be weak; add too much broth and the color will darken). Set aside finished orzo, cover and keep warm.
• In a small skillet over medium heat, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and add zucchini. Sauté until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Stir zucchini and 2 tablespoons pesto into the orzo (reserve any remaining pesto for another use). Add Parmigiano-Reggiano, stir until melted and adjust salt as needed. Serve immediately.