Orzotto with Cream and Zucchini Flowers: A Delightful Fall Dish
Orzotto with Cream and Zucchini Flowers is an exquisite Italian dish that combines the nutty texture of orzo with the creamy richness of squash and the delicate floral notes of zucchini flowers. Perfect for a cozy fall meal, this recipe brings a fresh, earthy taste to your table while offering a burst of vibrant colors. Here’s how to prepare this indulgent yet comforting dish for 4 people.
Category: First Courses
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Orzo | 240g |
| Zucchini Flowers | 100g |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 60g |
| Fresh Spring Onions | 2 |
| Ground Cinnamon | A pinch |
| Parmigiano Reggiano DOP | 50g |
| White Pepper | To taste |
| Delica Pumpkin | 500g |
| Vegetable Broth | 1L |
| Fine Salt | To taste |
Instructions
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Prepare the Squash: Start by cleaning the pumpkin. Cut off the top and remove the seeds and any strings inside. Peel the squash and chop it into small cubes. Set aside.
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Prepare the Aromatics: Finely chop the fresh spring onions. In a large pan, heat 40g of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add one chopped spring onion and one peeled garlic clove to the pan. Sauté the aromatics for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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Cook the Pumpkin: Add the cubed pumpkin to the pan with the sautéed aromatics. Stir to coat the squash in the olive oil and flavors. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pumpkin becomes tender. Add vegetable broth in small amounts to prevent the pumpkin from drying out. You want to keep it moist, ensuring it cooks through evenly.
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Blend the Squash: Once the pumpkin is soft, remove the garlic clove and transfer the squash mixture into a blender. Add a ladle of vegetable broth to help with blending. Puree until smooth and creamy. Season with a pinch of cinnamon, then set the cream aside.
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Cook the Orzo: In the same pan, add the remaining 20g of olive oil, the second chopped spring onion, and another garlic clove. Sauté the ingredients for a minute until fragrant. Add the orzo and toast it lightly for a few seconds to bring out its nutty flavor.
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Simmer the Orzo: Begin adding the vegetable broth to the orzo, one ladle at a time, allowing the liquid to be absorbed before adding more. Continue this process until the orzo is fully cooked, following the time indicated on the package. Halfway through cooking, stir in the zucchini cream to create a creamy, flavorful texture.
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Prepare the Zucchini Flowers: While the orzo is cooking, clean the zucchini flowers. Cut off the stems and remove the small leaves near the base of the flowers. Gently remove the pistils from inside. Open the flowers up and add most of them to the orzo once it’s almost done cooking, saving a few flowers for garnishing the finished dish.
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Finish the Dish: When the orzo is cooked and creamy, turn off the heat. Stir in the grated Parmigiano Reggiano and mix well to create a rich, cheesy consistency. Taste and adjust with salt and white pepper as needed.
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Serve: Dish out the orzotto onto plates, garnish with the reserved zucchini flowers for a pop of color and elegance. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fats | 14g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
Tips for Success
- Zucchini Flowers: Make sure to handle the zucchini flowers gently to avoid tearing them. They should be added near the end of the cooking process to retain their delicate texture and color.
- Broth: If you don’t have vegetable broth, chicken broth can be a great substitute for a richer flavor.
- Orzo Cooking: Stir the orzo occasionally to prevent it from sticking together. The gradual addition of broth will help achieve the perfect creamy texture.
- Spices: While cinnamon complements the pumpkin, feel free to experiment with other spices like nutmeg or thyme for a different flavor profile.
This Orzotto with Cream and Zucchini Flowers is not only a celebration of autumn’s flavors but also a wonderful way to impress your guests with a creative take on traditional risotto. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking to enjoy a warm, satisfying meal, this dish is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
