Substitute rice for orzo pasta to make this risotto-style 'orzotto', packed with pancetta and peas. It makes a lovely and quick midweek meal for the family
Nutrition and extra info
Nutrition: Per serving
- kcal518
- fat10g
- saturates5g
- carbs73g
- sugars8g
- fibre9g
- protein29g
- salt2g
Ingredients
- 150g diced pancetta
Pancetta
pan-chet-ahPancetta is Italian cured pork belly - the equivalent of streaky bacon. It has a deep, strong,…
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 500g orzo
- 1½ litres chicken stock
- 500g frozen petit pois or peas
Peas
p-eesA type of legume, peas grow inside long, plump pods. As is the case with all types of legume,…
- ½ lemon, zested and juiced
Lemon
le-monOval in shape with a pronouced bulge on one end, lemons are one of the most versatile…
- small bunch basil, leaves picked and shredded
Basil
ba-zilMost closely associated with Mediterranean cooking but also very prevalent in Asian food, the…
- 75g parmesan, grated, plus extra to serve
Parmesan
parm-ee-zanParmesan is a straw-coloured hard cheese with a natural yellow rind and rich, fruity flavour. It…
Method
Put the pancetta in a large, deep frying pan over a medium-high heat and fry until crisp and golden. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon, transfer to a plate and set aside. Reduce the heat, add the onion along with a pinch of salt and fry in any leftover fat for 5 mins. Add the garlic and continue to fry for a further 3 mins.
Increase the heat and stir in the orzo. Fry for 2 mins, stirring constantly, then pour in 500ml stock and bring to a simmer. Add more stock by the ladleful, stirring constantly, as the orzo absorbs the liquid (similar to cooking a risotto).
After 5 mins, stir in the petit pois and bring the mixture to a simmer. Continue to add the remaining stock, stirring, as the mixture cooks. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through. Add the lemon zest and juice, basil, parmesan and fried pancetta. Season to taste, then cover and leave to rest for 2 mins. Serve with extra parmesan sprinkled over the top.
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