Entree: Italy – Trentino-Alto Adige – Orzetto (Creamy risotto-style main made with orzo pasta cooked like a risotto, finished with Alpine cheese and butter)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 20 min

Total 40 min

Ingredients

- 1 1/2 cups (300 g) orzo pasta
- 4 oz (115 g) speck, sliced and chopped
- 4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, about 4 oz (115 g), finely chopped
- 8 oz (225 g) mixed mushrooms (cremini, porcini, or similar), sliced
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) dry white wine
- 4 cups (960 ml) hot vegetable or chicken stock
- 3/4 cup (75 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp (8 g) chopped fresh parsley
- Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil and 1 tbsp (14 g) butter in a large skillet or shallow pot over medium heat. Add the speck and cook until lightly crisp, about 4 minutes. Remove speck with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving fat in the pan.
2. Add remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil and the chopped onion to the same pan and sauté until translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release liquid and begin to brown, about 6–8 minutes.
3. Stir in the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes so each grain is coated and translucent at the edges. Pour in the white wine and simmer until mostly evaporated, scraping up any browned bits.
4. Add 1 cup (240 ml) of the hot stock and stir continuously until the liquid is mostly absorbed. Continue adding the stock, 1 cup (240 ml) at a time, stirring frequently and allowing the orzo to absorb the liquid before adding more, until the orzo is tender but still slightly al dente, about 15–18 minutes total.
5. Remove from heat and stir in remaining 3 tbsp (42 g) butter and the grated Parmesan until melted and creamy. Fold in the reserved speck and lemon zest. Season with salt and plenty of black pepper to taste.
6. Spoon onto warm plates, garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan, and serve immediately.