Found orzo on sale today. Bought it with intention to make a replicate of Nigella recipe: Saffron orzo. However saffron is way beyond my budget. I got a bottle of pesto as it’s on sale so too strawberries. Remembered I had a bottle of thickened cream that will expire in three days.

Google: “Orzo, also known as risoni, is a form of short-cut pasta, shaped like a large grain of rice. Orzo is traditionally made from flour, but it can also be made of whole grain. It is often made with semolina, a type of flour made from durum wheat. A common ingredient in Italian cuisine, orzo is also known as risoni or pastina, an Italian term for a form of small pastas. Orzo is a good source of thiamine and niacin, also providing some B6, folate, iron and zinc.”

“Pesto is a paste that traditionally consists of crushed garlic, pine nuts, coarse salt, basil leaves, and hard cheese such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Sardo, all blended with olive oil. It originated in Genoa, the capital city of Liguria, Italy. Plant fats, like those in olive oil and pine nuts, provide heart-healthy fats for improved cardiovascular health. And antioxidant-rich basil, olive oil, and pine nuts can help fight damage from free radicals.”

“Beware if you are allergic to all nuts. Nuts are a common allergen. If you have a tree nut allergy, it’s essential to check the ingredients in pesto, as most types are made with tree nuts. Accidentally eating pesto that contains nuts could trigger a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction in those who are allergic to tree nuts.”

“The garden strawberry is a widely grown hybrid species of the genus Fragaria, collectively known as the strawberries, which are cultivated worldwide for their fruit. The fruit is widely appreciated for its characteristic aroma, bright red colour, juicy texture, and sweetness. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which help reduce the risk of serious health conditions like cancer, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. It’s also an excellent source of: Magnesium. Phosphorous.”

I am glad that I can turn my orzo into pudding with a few ingredients. It is beautiful, nutty and garlicky, herbal flavours balanced with a hint of saltiness from the cheese and salted caramel candy, sweetness from strawberries, creamy and delicious. Let’s be innovative!!!!!

Ingredients

1 c orzo
3/4 c water
300 ml thickened cream
8-10 strawberries, stems removed and thinly sliced
4 Tbs oil
2 Tbs garlic minced
2 Tbs pesto
1 1/2 Tsp salted caramel essence
1/8 c Parmesan Pecorino
salted caramel candy bites
salt
pepper

Method

In a saucepan on medium high heat, add 1 Tbs oil and garlic, cook until golden about 1 minute. Add orzo, salt and pepper; stir about 1-3 minutes. Gradually add water while stirring. Keep stirring until mixture thickened.

Now add thickened cream and reduce heat. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent orzo from sticking to the bottom of saucepan. Cover the saucepan and let it cook further 3-5 minutes. Stir regularly. While orzo cooking, cut the strawberries into thin slices.

Check if orzo has softened. If orzo is still hard, add a bit more water about 1/8 c water and cook a further about 3-5 minutes, and keep stirring. Once it’s cooked not hard anymore. Remove orzo from heat. Now add pesto and salted caramel essence. Stir to mix well. Then add in Parmesan Pecorino cheese and mix until combined.

To assemble: line sliced strawberries at the bottom, followed by orzo. Repeat until orzo are all spooned onto dish. Top with the remaining sliced strawberries and followed by salted caramel candy bites in between the lined up sliced strawberries. Drizzle the remaining oil. Serve immediately and warm. Enjoy!!!

https://helenscchin.com/2023/08/14/strawberries-pesto-orzo/

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