Orzo With Saffron And Romano Cheese Food

SAFFRON ORZO

Steps:

• In a saucepan bring the broth and 1 1/2 cups water to a boil, add the orzo, and boil it for 5 to 7 minutes, or until it is al dente. In a small bowl dissolve the saffron and 1 tablespoon of the hot cooking liquid. Drain the orzo well, return it to the pan, and stir in the saffron mixture, the butter, the Parmesan, and salt and pepper to taste.

SAFFRON ORZO

Steps:

• Cook 1 minced shallot in 2 tablespoons olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add 1 cup orzo and cook, stirring, until toasted, 3 to 5 minutes. Add 2 cups chicken broth, 1/2 teaspoon each saffron and kosher salt and 2 bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then stir and reduce to a simmer; cover and cook until the orzo is tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon butter and season with salt.

ORZO WITH SAFFRON AND ROMANO CHEESE

Steps:

• *NOTE: for non-alcoholic version, substitute chicken stock for the white wine.
• In a glass measuring cup, combine the saffron threads and 1 cup hot water. Let stand for 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a saute pan over medium heat, heat butter and olive oil. When it is foamy, add shallots and cook until translucent, about 1 minute.
• Stir in orzo, thyme, and lemon peel. Saute the mixture, stirring often until the orzo is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat if necessary to avoid burning.
• Pour in chicken stock, wine, and saffron water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cover and cook until liquid is absorbed and orzo is al dente, about 20 minutes.
• Just before serving, stir in lemon juice, cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

TOASTED ORZO WITH SAFFRON AND FENNEL

Steps:

• Soften saffron in 1 tablespoon hot water and set aside.
• Cook onion in oil in a 3-quart heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 6 minutes. Add orzo and toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant, 2 to 4 minutes.
• Stir in saffron mixture, remaining 2 cups water, and 1 teaspoon salt and simmer, covered, until orzo is just tender and liquid is absorbed, about 12 minutes.
• Sprinkle fennel bulb over orzo and let stand, covered, off heat 5 minutes. Stir fennel bulb into orzo, then serve sprinkled with fennel fronds.

SHELLFISH, ORZO & SAFFRON STEW

Steps:

• Boil the kettle, put the saffron in a small bowl, pour over 100ml hot water and set aside to steep. Tip the mussels and clams into a large colander and rinse under cold water. Scrub the shells and pull away any stringy beards. Discard any that don't close when tapped on the side of the sink. Use a small serrated knife to cut down the prawn backs, through the shells, pulling out any black entrails you find.
• Heat the oil in a large casserole dish or deep frying pan. Add the shallots, celery and garlic, and fry over a low heat for a few mins until starting to soften. Add the wine and Pernod, and bring to the boil. Simmer for 1-2 mins, then add the stock, the saffron with its steeping liquid and some seasoning. When bubbling, reduce to a simmer and stir in the orzo. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 4 mins.
• Add the shellfish, re-cover and cook for 5 mins more until the pasta is cooked, the prawns are pink and the shells are all open (discard any that aren't). Scatter with parsley and serve in bowls with a drizzle of oil and crusty bread.