Orzotto with Pancetta, Vegetables, and Cheese
Category: Main Dishes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pearl barley (Orzo perlato) | 300g |
| Cheese (preferably a soft, creamy cheese like mozzarella or a mix of Parmesan) | 150g |
| Sweet pancetta | 160g |
| Button mushrooms (Funghi prataioli) | 110g |
| Peas (Pisellini) | 200g |
| Shallot (Scalogno) | 1 |
| Vegetable broth (Brodo vegetale) | 1L |
| Chives (Erba cipollina) | to taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | to taste |
| Salt (Sale fino) | to taste |
| Black pepper (Pepe nero) | to taste |
Instructions:
-
Prep the Vegetables and Ingredients:
Begin by cleaning and finely chopping the shallot. Next, shell the peas and place them in a bowl. Clean the mushrooms by removing their earthy ends and slice the stems into rings, cutting the caps into quarters.
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Sauté the Shallot:
In a large saucepan or deep skillet, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and sauté for just a minute or two, allowing it to soften without browning. -
Add the Orzo and Pancetta:
Add the pearl barley (orzo) to the pan, stirring it for a minute so that it absorbs some of the flavors. Next, introduce the sweet pancetta, and cook for a few more minutes until the pancetta starts to release its oils and becomes slightly crispy. -
Add Mushrooms and Broth:
Stir in the mushrooms and add the vegetable broth, ensuring that the ingredients are just covered. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add more broth as needed to maintain a creamy consistency. Let the orzotto cook for about 25 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the dish has a creamy, risotto-like consistency. -
Finish the Orzotto:
While the orzotto is cooking, grate the cheese using a coarse grater. Once the orzo is cooked to your desired consistency, stir in the grated cheese and fresh chives. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary, and stir well to incorporate the cheese, creating a smooth, creamy texture. -
Serve:
Serve the orzotto immediately, garnishing with extra chives and a touch more black pepper. Enjoy this delicious, creamy dish with pancetta, vegetables, and cheese as a satisfying main course!
Tips:
- You can substitute the pancetta with bacon or another cured meat for a different flavor.
- Feel free to use a mix of cheeses, such as Parmesan and mozzarella, to achieve a creamy and flavorful result.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the pancetta and increase the amount of vegetables for a lighter dish.
Enjoy this delightful Orzotto with Pancetta, Vegetables, and Cheese, which is the perfect comfort food for any season. The combination of creamy orzo, savory pancetta, fresh vegetables, and melty cheese makes this dish irresistibly delicious!
