Bacon & Mushroom Orzo
Ingredients
- 150 g Bacon lardons
- 250 g Chestnut mushrooms
cut into quarters
- 2 Cloves of garlic
minced
- 10 g Thyme
chopped
- 400 ml Chicken stock
- 100 ml Crème fraiche
- 180 g Orzo
- 50 g Spinach
- 25 g Parmesan)
grated (plus extra for serving
Directions
- 1
Heat some olive oil (not extra virgin) in a large frying pan over a high heat. Add the bacon and the mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes. The mushrooms will soften and halve in size, and the bacon should start to turn crispy.
- 2
Turn the heat down to a medium heat, then add in the garlic and thyme. Cook for a further minute.
- 3
Pour in the chicken stock, add the crème fraiche, and add in the orzo. Stir it well, then bring to a simmer.
- 4
Cover it with a lid, then cook for about ten minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has been absorbed and the orzo is cooked.
- 5
Turn off the heat, then add in the parmesan and spinach then stir it through until the spinach leaves wilt.
- 6
Taste for seasoning then dish it up and finish with some more parmesan cheese. I also added some pan-fried slices of mushrooms. I heated a little bit of oil in a pan and cooked them until they were browned on both sides.
Bacon & Mushroom Orzo
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About this Recipe
Craving a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that doesn't leave you with a mountain of dishes? This Bacon & Mushroom Orzo recipe delivers rich, creamy goodness all cooked in one pan, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and deep flavor development. Crispy bacon lardons render their fat, creating a savory foundation for earthy chestnut mushrooms. This simple technique allows the orzo to absorb the delicious chicken stock and crème fraiche, resulting in an incredibly creamy texture. You can expect a wonderfully creamy pasta dish, where each bite offers a delightful contrast of smoky bacon, tender, umami-rich mushrooms, and perfectly cooked orzo. The fresh garlic and aromatic thyme infuse the dish with a beautiful fragrance, while the vibrant spinach adds a touch of color and freshness. Grated Parmesan provides a salty, nutty finish that ties all the flavors together. This is hearty comfort food that feels special yet is surprisingly easy to prepare. While delicious as is, you can easily adapt this dish to your pantry. For a twist, consider using a mix of other fresh herbs alongside the thyme, such as parsley or chives, to enhance the aroma. If you're a fan of deeper mushroom flavor, incorporating different varieties of mushrooms alongside the chestnut mushrooms would also be excellent. This creamy orzo is a perfect standalone meal for a cozy evening, making it an ideal choice for a comforting dinner. Don't forget an extra sprinkle of Parmesan at the table!