Orzo With Browned Butter Sauce Food

ORZO WITH BROWNED BUTTER SAUCE

Steps:

• 1. Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
• 2. While orzo cooks, melt butter in small saucepan over medium-high heat and cook until butter turns brown.
• 3. Place hot, drained orzo in a serving bowl. Pour butter and Parmesan cheese over orzo and stir to combine. Season to taste.
• 4. NOTE: need it *gluten* free? Use rice instead of orzo. Need it *dairy* free? Use margarine and skip the Parm. Want it *extra zippy*? Use Kefalotiri cheese instead of Parmesan. (It's the kind used for Saganaki)

BROWN-BUTTER ORZO WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH

Steps:

• In a medium Dutch oven, or a large (12-inch) skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the foam subsides, the milk solids turn golden brown and it smells nutty and toasty, 3 to 4 minutes. (Watch carefully to see that it doesn't burn.)
• Stir in shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Add squash, sage, a large pinch of salt, the 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and the 1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, and cook until squash is golden at the edges and begins to soften, 12 to 17 minutes.
• Add stock and bring to a simmer. Stir in orzo, lemon zest and the 1 teaspoon salt. Cover the pan and simmer over medium-low heat until orzo is just tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, 14 to 18 minutes, stirring once or twice. If the pan dries out before the orzo and squash are tender, add a splash or two of water.
• Remove pan from heat and stir in Parmesan. Taste and add more salt if needed, and a squeeze of lemon juice if the dish needs brightness. Dollop with ricotta if using, and sprinkle with more grated Parmesan and black pepper just before serving, garnishing the top with more red-pepper flakes and sage.

ORZO WITH BROWN BUTTER AND PARSLEY

Steps:

• Pour broth into heavy large saucepan. Bring to boil. Add orzo; boil until tender and liquid is absorbed, stirring often, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Melt butter in heavy medium skillet over medium-high heat. Stir until butter is golden, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in garlic and nutmeg. Pour over orzo. Add parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to large bowl and serve.