Orzo, Farro, and Rice in Pepper and Tofu Sauce
Category: Main Courses
Servings: 4
This delicious and vibrant dish combines the hearty textures of orzo, farro, and rice with a rich pepper sauce and crispy tofu, bringing together a wonderful mix of flavors and colors. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal, this recipe features roasted peppers, infused with saffron, and tofu, which absorbs the savory essence of the broth and vegetables. Ready to impress your guests or bring joy to a cozy family dinner, here’s how to make it:
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Farro | 100g |
| Orzo Perlato (Pearled Barley) | 100g |
| Riso Carnaroli (Carnaroli Rice) | 100g |
| Saffron | 1 packet |
| Vegetable Broth | 1 liter |
| Shallot | 60g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 40g |
| Fine Salt | A pinch |
| Black Pepper | A pinch |
| Red Bell Peppers | 150g |
| Yellow Bell Peppers | 150g |
| Tofu | 180g |
| Fresh Thyme | 4 sprigs |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Peppers
Start by preparing the bell peppers. Wash and dry them thoroughly. Place the peppers on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and roast them in a preheated static oven at 250°C (482°F) for about 25 minutes. Be sure to turn the peppers occasionally during cooking for even roasting. The peppers are ready when the skin starts to peel off.
Once roasted, transfer the peppers into a plastic food bag to sweat for a few minutes. When they’ve cooled down to room temperature, open the bag and peel off the skin. Slice the peppers in half, removing the stems and seeds. Cut the halves into thin strips, then dice them into small cubes.
Step 2: Preparing the Base
While the peppers are cooling, finely chop the shallot. In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallot and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. To help it soften, add a splash of water.
Step 3: Cooking the Grains
Rinse the pearled barley (orzo) thoroughly using a fine sieve. Once drained, add it to the saucepan and toast it for a couple of minutes over low heat to bring out its flavors. Next, pour in a little vegetable broth to moisten the orzo and allow it to absorb the flavors for 4 more minutes, stirring frequently to ensure the grains don’t stick.
Now, rinse the farro in the same way, using the fine sieve. Add the farro to the orzo and continue to cook, gradually adding more broth to the saucepan as needed. Stir occasionally to ensure the grains cook evenly and absorb the liquid. Allow the grains to simmer and soften, adding broth little by little until they reach the desired consistency.
Step 4: Adding the Saffron
In a small bowl, dissolve the saffron in a small amount of hot broth. Stir it until completely dissolved, then pour this infused saffron mixture into the cooking grains. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Continue cooking and stirring, adding more broth if necessary until the grains are tender.
Step 5: Preparing the Tofu
While the grains are cooking, cut the tofu into horizontal strips, then dice it into small cubes. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and sauté them until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 6: Combining the Ingredients
Once the grains are cooked, add the roasted pepper cubes and sautéed tofu to the saucepan. Stir everything together and let it sauté for a few more seconds to combine the flavors. Add fresh thyme, finely chopped, and stir once more. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
Step 7: Serving
Serve the orzo, farro, and rice mixture on plates, ensuring each serving is generously topped with the pepper and tofu sauce. Garnish with additional thyme for a fresh touch and enjoy the medley of flavors in every bite.
This recipe combines the wholesome goodness of grains with the richness of roasted peppers and tofu, making it a satisfying, nourishing dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a comforting dinner or a light yet filling meal, Orzo, Farro, and Rice in Pepper and Tofu Sauce offers a beautiful balance of textures and flavors that will delight your taste buds. Enjoy!
