Creamy Orzo Risotto
Indulge in this creamy orzo risotto with lemon feta sauce and burrata core, where rich textures and vibrant flavors come together in perfect harmony.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450kcal
Ingredients
Pasta and Base
- 250 g orzo pasta Tender little grains that bring heartiness and texture.
- 2 tbsp olive oil Nutty and fragrant.
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced Adds delightful depth of flavor.
- 750 ml vegetable broth, hot Infuses layers of flavor.
- to taste Salt & pepper Essential seasonings.
Sauce Mixture
- 150 g feta cheese Creamy and tangy.
- 100 ml heavy cream Ensures a luxuriously rich texture.
- juice of 1 lemon Cuts through the richness.
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional) For an extra layer of umami flavor.
Finishing Touches
- 1 burrata ball (room temperature) Creates a glorious, gooey center.
- to taste Fresh basil or mint leaves Elevates your dish visually and in flavor.
- to taste Cracked black pepper Adds a wonderful sprinkle of warmth.
- for garnish Lemon zest curls Brings brightness and elegance.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the minced garlic and orzo to the hot oil; stir for about two minutes.
Cooking
- Gradually pour in the hot vegetable broth, about half a cup at a time, stirring frequently.
- Continue adding broth and cooking for an additional 10–12 minutes until the orzo is creamy and tender.
- Season generously with salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
Sauce Preparation
- In a separate bowl, combine feta cheese, heavy cream, lemon juice, and optional Parmesan, blending until smooth.
Combining
- Fold the creamy feta mixture into the cooked orzo, stirring until fully incorporated.
Plating
- Spoon the creamy orzo into a shallow bowl or serving dish.
- Nestle the burrata ball in the center and garnish with fresh basil or mint, cracked black pepper, and lemon zest curls.
Notes
For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt or reduced-fat cream cheese instead of heavy cream. Adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or peas enhances the dish.