Mushroom Orzo
This mushroom orzo dish has all the flavour and texture of risotto, only it comes together with a little less effort. It’s a way to achieve the same cozy, warming vibe in about half the time.
Watch me make it here!
Active Time: ~30 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
200-250g cremini mushrooms
5 tbsp butter, divided
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, sliced
1/2 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 cup orzo
10 cracks black pepper
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
¾ cup grated parmesan
½ tsp soy sauce
kosher salt
Instructions
Using a paper towel or pastry brush, wipe away any dirt on the mushrooms. Cut into thick slices. Set aside.
Heat a thick-bottom pan with deep sides on medium-high heat. Add 3 tbsp butter.
When the butter starts to foam, add mushroom slices and stir until evenly coated in butter. Cook until all the liquid has evaporated and the mushrooms start to brown. Avoid mixing the mushrooms during this step, you don’t want them to burn, but you also want them to release water and start to brown — it’s a fine balance. Season with a generous pinch of salt (about ½ tsp) and cook for 1-2 more minutes. Add white wine vinegar and cook, scraping the brown bits on the bottom of the pan, until the vinegar smell evaporates and you’re left with meaty, caramelized mushrooms. Taste one to see what I mean!
Add diced onion and garlic and cook until completely soft and slightly browned.
Reduce heat to medium-low and add orzo and black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the orzo and pepper are slightly toasted.
When you start to smell a nutty aroma from the toasted orzo and pepper, add broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking to the bottom of the pot.
When the orzo is al dente, and most of the liquid has been absorbed, turn off the heat and add butter, parmesan and soy sauce. Stir until the sauce is creamy and glossy.
Taste and adjust seasoning. You might want to add another pinch of salt or some more black pepper.
Drizzle with olive oil and serve with more grated parmesan.
Tag me if you make it @stefsdinnerdate <3
Playing Around
The technique to take away here is how to cook delicious, meaty mushrooms. Use the method above when you want mushrooms on pizza, in an omelette or making another mushroom pasta.