Orzotto Con Zucca Barley Pumpkin Risotto Recipes

RISOTTO CON ZUCCA

Steps:

• In a roasting pan, place butternut squash cubes, sprinkle nutmeg, salt, pepper and olive oil over the cubes and roast in a 375 degree oven for 30 minutes or until tender. Place the roasted squash in a food processor and puree.
• Follow the basic risotto recipe, and when beginning to add the vegetable stock to the risotto, add the butternut squash puree, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon. When the risotto is cooked al dente, add the butter, chopped Italian parsley and Parmesan cheese, continue stirring until a creamy consistency appears, serve on a platter or in individual bowls.

ORZOTTO CON ZUCCA (BARLEY & PUMPKIN RISOTTO)

Steps:

• Bring the stock to the boil in a large pan, add the barley and simmer until done, about 40 minutes. If you want you can add some chopped mushrooms to this for the last 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave, boil or roast the pumpkin until soft. I usually roast mine with a few sprigs of thyme for extra flavour.
• Put the cooked pumpkin together with the butter into a blender and process to a puree.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Add the puree to the barley and season again with salt and pepper.
• Just before serving mix the parmesan into the 'risotto'.
• Serve hot with fresh crusty bread.

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.

ORZOTTO WITH ZUCCHINI & PESTO (ORZO RISOTTO)

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.

PUMPKIN RISOTTO CON LA ZUCCA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the pumpkin; boil until soft, 15-20 minutes. Drain the pumpkin and purée until smooth in a blender or food processor.
• Put 2 tablespoons butter or oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the onions and cook until they soften, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, nutmeg and herbs, and continue cooking another minute or so; do not brown.
• Add 2 tablespoons butter or oil; raise the heat to medium-high and add the rice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it is glossy and coated, 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; stir in the wine and let most of it bubble away.
• Begin adding the pumpkin purée and stock alternately, 1/2 cup or so at a time, stirring after each addition. When the liquid is just about evaporated, add more; the consistency should not be soupy or dry. Stir frequently.
• Taste the rice about 20 minutes after you add it. You want it to be tender but still have some crunch; this can take up to 30 minutes. When the rice is done, turn off the heat and stir in the remaining butter or oil and Parmesan; taste and adjust the seasoning. Heat a dry skillet and add the nuts; toast until fragrant. Sprinkle the risotto with toasted nuts and more freshly grated Parmesan; 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.