Slow Roasted Courgettes With Fennel Orzo Recipes

SLOW-ROASTED COURGETTES WITH FENNEL & ORZO

Steps:

• Put the saffron in a small bowl and cover with 1/2 tbsp of boiling water. Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Put the fennel in a roasting tin with the tomatoes and bay leaf, drizzle over some oil, season and toss together with the chilli flakes. Pour over the wine. Prick the courgettes all over with a fork and place on top of the fennel. Drizzle with a little more oil, then season and cover with foil.
• Roast for 1 1/2 - 2 hrs, turning the courgettes halfway through, removing the foil for the last 5 mins. The courgettes should be very soft. Lift the courgettes from the pan and set aside.
• Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add half the lemon zest and breadcrumbs, and gently fry until the bread is golden and crunchy. Set aside.
• Cook the orzo in a pan of boiling water until al dente, then drain. Toss with the fennel, tomatoes, pine nuts, the saffron and its water. Season.
• Divide the orzo between plates and add half the ricotta to each, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Top with the courgettes and scatter over the breadcrumbs, remaining lemon zest and sprigs of dill.

TOASTED ORZO WITH SAFFRON AND FENNEL

Steps:

• Soften saffron in 1 tablespoon hot water and set aside.
• Cook onion in oil in a 3-quart heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 6 minutes. Add orzo and toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant, 2 to 4 minutes.
• Stir in saffron mixture, remaining 2 cups water, and 1 teaspoon salt and simmer, covered, until orzo is just tender and liquid is absorbed, about 12 minutes.
• Sprinkle fennel bulb over orzo and let stand, covered, off heat 5 minutes. Stir fennel bulb into orzo, then serve sprinkled with fennel fronds.

COURGETTE & ORZO BAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 240C/220C fan/gas 9. Toss the baby courgettes with half the oil in a roasting tin and roast for 10 mins, until the courgettes are starting to colour.
• Reduce oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Heat the remaining oil and butter in your largest frying pan and soften the onions and garlic gently. Add the grated courgettes, and turn up the heat. Cook until softened. Stir in the orzo and wine, if using, for a minute, then turn off the heat and stir in the stock, most of the Parmesan and some seasoning.
• Transfer to a baking dish and arrange the baby courgettes on top. Bake for 15 mins, take out of the oven and scatter with breadcrumbs and the remaining Parmesan and bake for 10 mins more. Eat immediately.