Orzotto with Scallop Cream
Category: Pasta Dishes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pearl Orzo | 320g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 30g |
| Butter | 10g |
| Rosé Wine | 100g |
| Scallops | 8 |
| Fish Stock | 1L |
| Fresh Chili Pepper | 1 |
| Thyme | 2 sprigs |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
Instructions
Start by preparing the fish stock (or alternatively, vegetable broth) to set the base for your creamy orzotto. In a large pan, heat 15g of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the orzo and toast it lightly for a minute, stirring constantly. Add 50g of rosé wine to the pan, letting it evaporate completely, and then begin adding the fish stock, a little at a time. Continue cooking the orzo for about 30 minutes (or according to the package instructions), stirring frequently and adding more stock as needed.
While the orzo cooks, prepare the scallops. In a separate pan, heat another 15g of olive oil and add the garlic clove (whole, to infuse the oil with flavor) and the fresh chili pepper (finely chopped). Sauté briefly to release the aromas before adding the scallops. Sprinkle them with thyme for added fragrance and flavor. Quickly deglaze the pan with 50g of rosé wine, ensuring that the scallops don’t overcook — this should only take a few minutes. Once cooked, remove the red coral (the orange roe) from each scallop and set aside. Transfer the white part of the scallops and the cooking juices into a food processor or blender, and blend until you achieve a creamy texture.
Once the orzo is tender, stir in the freshly made scallop cream, mixing thoroughly to incorporate the flavors. Finish the orzotto with a knob of butter, stirring until creamy and smooth.
For an elegant finishing touch, garnish with the scallop corals you set aside earlier. Your Orzotto with Scallop Cream is now ready to serve, offering a rich and delicate taste that beautifully highlights the sweet flavor of the scallops.
Enjoy your meal, served as a luxurious first course or a sophisticated main dish for any special occasion!
