Saffron Orzo Recipes

GRILLED MEATS AND VEGETABLES OVER SAFFRON ORZO

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, combine the marinade ingredients.
• In a large bowl, combine half the marinade with the chicken breasts, chicken thighs, and shrimp. Toss to combine. Cover and let marinate for at least 1 hour. If marinating for longer than 1 hour, make sure to refrigerate.
• Place a grill pan over medium-high heat or preheat a gas or charcoal grill. Brush the corn with reserved unused marinade and wrap in foil. Toss the mushrooms with 1/4 cup of the reserved unused marinade. Grill the chicken breasts and thighs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 7 minutes a side. Grill the corn inside the foil, for about 5 minutes a side. Grill the peppers for about 5 minutes a side. Grill the shrimp and the mushrooms, about 2 minutes a side. Brush the grilled peppers with the last of the reserved unused marinade. Slice the peppers and mushrooms before serving, if desired.
• Arrange grilled meats and vegetables over the saffron orzo on a large platter and serve immediately.
• In a large pot, bring the chicken stock to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, bringing the stock to a simmer. Add the saffron, stir, and allow the saffron to bloom, about 5 minutes. Return the heat to medium and the stock to a boil, then add the orzo and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain orzo and transfer to a large bowl. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and parsley. Toss to combine.

SHELLFISH, ORZO & SAFFRON STEW

Steps:

• Boil the kettle, put the saffron in a small bowl, pour over 100ml hot water and set aside to steep. Tip the mussels and clams into a large colander and rinse under cold water. Scrub the shells and pull away any stringy beards. Discard any that don't close when tapped on the side of the sink. Use a small serrated knife to cut down the prawn backs, through the shells, pulling out any black entrails you find.
• Heat the oil in a large casserole dish or deep frying pan. Add the shallots, celery and garlic, and fry over a low heat for a few mins until starting to soften. Add the wine and Pernod, and bring to the boil. Simmer for 1-2 mins, then add the stock, the saffron with its steeping liquid and some seasoning. When bubbling, reduce to a simmer and stir in the orzo. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 4 mins.
• Add the shellfish, re-cover and cook for 5 mins more until the pasta is cooked, the prawns are pink and the shells are all open (discard any that aren't). Scatter with parsley and serve in bowls with a drizzle of oil and crusty bread.

SHRIMP WITH SAFFRON ORZO

Steps:

• On high heat, bring broth to a boil.
• Reduce to low and simmer and add saffron.
• Return to boil and add orzo. Cook until tender (about 10 minutes).
• Drain orzo and add 4 tablespoons oil, salt, pepper, juice of half a lemon and parsley. Mix and set aside.
• Toss shrimp with salt, pepper, and remaining lemon juice.
• Heat remaining oil in saucepan.
• Add shrimp and cook until thoroughly pink about 4 minutes total.
• Mix shrimp with orzo.

SAFFRON ORZO

Steps:

• Cook 1 minced shallot in 2 tablespoons olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add 1 cup orzo and cook, stirring, until toasted, 3 to 5 minutes. Add 2 cups chicken broth, 1/2 teaspoon each saffron and kosher salt and 2 bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then stir and reduce to a simmer; cover and cook until the orzo is tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon butter and season with salt.

SAFFRON ORZO WITH ASPARAGUS AND PROSCIUTTO

Steps:

• Melt 2 tablespoons butter in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add prosciutto and sauté until almost crisp, about 3 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in same skillet over high heat. Add orzo; stir 1 minute. Add broth and saffron; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until orzo begins to soften, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Add asparagus; cover and simmer until tender, about 5 minutes. Uncover; simmer until almost all liquid is absorbed, about 1 minute. Remove from heat. Mix in prosciutto and 1/2 cup grated cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to large bowl. Garnish with Parmesan shavings.

SAFFRON ORZO

Steps:

• In a saucepan bring the broth and 1 1/2 cups water to a boil, add the orzo, and boil it for 5 to 7 minutes, or until it is al dente. In a small bowl dissolve the saffron and 1 tablespoon of the hot cooking liquid. Drain the orzo well, return it to the pan, and stir in the saffron mixture, the butter, the Parmesan, and salt and pepper to taste.