Minted Squash Orzo Recipes

ORZO WITH SUMMER SQUASH AND PESTO

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the orzo and salt generously. Meanwhile, heat a large, heavy skillet over medium heat and add olive oil and garlic. Cook, stirring, until garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds, and add summer squash. Turn heat up to medium high and cook, stirring often, until squash is tender and translucent, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in marjoram or mint and season to taste with salt and pepper. Turn off heat.
• When water in pot comes to a boil, salt generously and add orzo. Cook 9 minutes, until al dente. Stir 3 to 4 tablespoons of the cooking water into the pesto, then drain orzo and toss with squash. Heat through, add pesto, toss again and serve, passing more Parmesan or pecorino in a bowl.

MINTED SQUASH-ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over medium heat. Stir in the orzo and cook as the label directs. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water until cool. Drain, shake off the excess water and transfer to a large bowl.
• Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons garlic olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the squash, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to brown, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature.
• Add the squash to the bowl with the orzo. Stir in three-quarters of the feta, the mint, the remaining 2 tablespoons garlic olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Top with the remaining feta and more mint.

MINTED SQUASH ORZO

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over medium heat. Stir in the orzo and cook for 8 minutes; pasta will be slightly undercooked. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain the orzo in a colander in the sink.
• Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the squash, season with salt and pepper, to taste, and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown and soften, about 4 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and add the cooked orzo and cooking water. Bring to a simmer and stir in 3/4 of the feta; season with salt and pepper. Cook until the water is absorbed, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons oil and mint.
• Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle the remaining feta over the top and garnish with additional chopped mint.

LEMON SQUASH SOUP WITH ORZO

Steps:

• Cut the squash in half lengthwise and then crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices; set aside.
• Melt the butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Add squash and season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.
• Add 4 cups of the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for an additional 15 minutes, or until the squash is very soft.
• Use an immersion blender to create a smooth, thick puree. (If using a regular blender, allow soup to cool before pureeing, and then return it to the pot.)
• Bring back to a boil. Add the orzo and reduce the heat, cooking until the pasta is tender, about 7 to 8 minutes. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
• Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, combine the cream, egg yolks and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. Add the cream/egg mixture to the soup and whisk over low heat until blended. Do not let the soup come back to a boil or the egg yolks will curdle.
• Stir in the mint. If the soup is too thick at this point, add the remaining cup of stock. Serve immediately.