Creamy orzo with pesto rosso and burrata

Ingredients

• 190 g orzo (The source states 180–200 g.)
• 300 g bacon bits
• 1 shallot (Finely chopped; approximately 40 g.)
• 3 el pesto rosso (Approximately 45 g.)
• 6 sun-dried tomatoes (Cut into strips; approximately 45 g.)
• 150 g frozen spinach
• 300 ml water (Add extra water if the orzo becomes too dry.)
• 1 burrata (The source does not specify a weight; approximately 150 g is assumed.)
• Parmesan cheese (To taste; 20 g was used for the nutritional estimate.)
• lettuce (A handful of fresh lettuce; 30 g was used for the nutritional estimate.)
• black pepper (To taste.)

Steps

1. 1

   Finely chop the shallot and cut the sun-dried tomatoes into strips. Have the orzo, pesto rosso, spinach, water, and remaining ingredients ready.

2. 2

   Heat a large, deep pan over medium heat. Fry the bacon bits without additional oil until crispy. Stir regularly so they brown evenly and release their fat.

3. 3

   Add the finely chopped shallot to the pan with the crispy bacon bits. Fry briefly until the shallot starts to soften and become fragrant.

4. 4

   Add the pesto rosso, strips of sun-dried tomato, and frozen spinach. Fry everything briefly until the spinach starts to thaw and the ingredients are well combined.

5. 5

   Add the orzo and 300 ml water. Stir well across the bottom of the pan so the orzo does not stick.

6. 6

   Simmer the orzo gently for 10–12 minutes, or until the grains are tender but still slightly firm. Stir regularly. Add a splash of extra water if the orzo becomes too dry; the final result should remain creamy.

7. 7

   Spoon the creamy orzo into two deep plates.

8. 8

   Finish each plate with grated Parmesan cheese, the burrata, and a handful of fresh lettuce.

9. 9

   Grind black pepper to taste over the orzo and serve immediately while the burrata is creamy.

Notes

The amounts of Parmesan cheese, lettuce, and burrata are not fully specified in the source. Add extra water during cooking if the orzo absorbs the liquid too quickly.

Nutrition per serving

• main course
• Italian
• one-pan dish
• orzo
• creamy
• burrata
• pesto rosso
• bacon bits