Pesto & Burrata Orzo

Servings: 2-4

Ingredients:

1 cup orzo

½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk

¾ cup water

5 garlic cloves, chopped

4 tbsp. olive oil

Salt & pepper (freshly ground black pepper is highly recommended)

¼ cup Parmigiano Reggiano

Fresh Pesto (you'll get more than you need for this recipe):

2 cups fresh basil leaves

1-2 tbsp. pine nuts - toasted

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2-3 garlic cloves

1/4 teaspoon salt

For serving:

1 Burrata

Chili flakes

Salt & Pepper

Instructions:

1. Place a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp. of olive oil and garlic, sauté until golden (about one minute).

2. Add the orzo, salt, and pepper, and stir for about 1-3 minutes.

3. Gradually pour in water while stirring. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens.

4. Add the coconut milk or heavy cream and reduce the heat. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently.

5. Cover the saucepan and let it cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. Stir regularly.

While the orzo is cooking, make the pesto:

1. Combine garlic, pine nuts, and salt using a pestle and mortar or a small food processor.

2. Add the Parmesan cheese, basil leaves, and ¼ cup of olive oil, and grind until very finely minced.

3. Add the remaining olive oil and process until well combined."

Final steps:

1. Remove the orzo from the heat and mix in 2-4 tbsp. of the pesto.

2. Add the Parmigiano Reggiano and mix well.

3. Cut the burrata in half. Each half is enough for one bowl of orzo.

4. Place the burrata on top of the orzo. Unfold the burrata and sprinkle with salt, chili flakes, and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.

Notes:

If the orzo is a bit hard you can add a bit of water and cook for a little bit more, while stirring.

Stirring the orzo throughout the cooking process is important in order to prevent it from burning or sticking to the bottom.

If you have some leftovers, orzo can get a bit sticky the day after. I usually leave it in the saucepan I cooked it in. Then, the day after I’d add a little bit of liquid (cream or water) and mix over medium heat, it definitely makes it feel very fresh.

Enjoy!