Just as the weather is finally warming up, local asparagus is starting to come into farmers markets and supermarket shelves. The sight of their bright green spears makes everyone’s heart sing at the end of a long winter of root vegetables, homey casseroles and comfort food. Heaving a deep sigh of relief to at last escape winter’s clutches, waste no time in celebrating this versatile spring vegetable whether in a breakfast frittata, a tempting quiche or a tasty dinner main course.
In honor of asparagus and the belated coming of spring, we served up a light, refreshing, simple dish last weekend that combines some of my favorite spring ingredients - shrimp and asparagus – in a flavorful mock risotto.
Many of us think of risotto as a dish requiring long periods of continuous stirring in order to achieve its creamy consistency and tenderness. Not so. Orzo pasta makes an excellent rice substitute. “Orzo” is Italian for “barley,” but that name merely refers to its size and shape. The pasta’s shape, size and texture resemble grains of rice and is most often used in soups, pilafs or other rice-based dishes.
Using orzo instead of rice vastly hastens risotto preparation. The pasta is cooked al dente in just a few minutes. The other ingredients can be sautéed while the pasta is cooking and then the entire ensemble is stirred together. It comes together quickly and tastes equally as good as the traditional method.
This is a dish that is quick and easy for weeknight suppers, can easily be expanded to feed a crowd, and looks gorgeous! Since the true season for asparagus in this area is a short one it’s time to enjoy this spring delicacy before those first local bundles fly away.
Orzo Risotto with Asparagus and Shrimp
Ingredients:
1 box orzo (16 oz)
10 oz asparagus spears
½ lb shelled and deveined medium shrimp
4 tbs unsalted butter
1 medium onion chopped fine
2 garlic cloves chopped fine
¼ cup white wine
¾ cup chicken broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian dish
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tbs chopped flat-leaf parsley
Salt, pepper and red pepper flakes to season
Preparation:
Roast asparagus spears drizzled with olive oil in a 400 degree oven for 6-8 minutes. Set aside and cut into 1 in pieces, reserving tops for garnish. Melt butter under med-high heat in a heavy skillet until the butter begins to brown. Add shrimp seasoned with salt, pepper and hot flakes. Cook over medium heat till just pink, about 1 minute per side. Remove with a slotted spoon. Sauté onion and garlic in the brown butter.
Prepare orzo in boiling salted water, undercooking for about 7-8 minutes till al dente. Drain and add to onion/garlic in skillet and stir till coated with the butter and is toasty. Pour the broth and wine into the orzo and cook over medium heat, stirring, till creamy and liquid is absorbed, about 3 minutes. Check seasoning.
Stir in the asparagus and shrimp under medium heat until heated through, just a minute or two. Add the cheese and parsley. Transfer to serving bowl or individual portions. Serve sprinkled with more parmesan.
My friends at Sunday Supper Movement also are bringing out their favorite dishes using orzo. Please give a read and try them.
Orzo Pasta Recipes
- Beef with Onion Gravy Orzo by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Greek Orzo Pasta Salad with Chicken by Sunday Supper Movement
- One Pot Italian Sausage Orzo with Spinach by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Orzo Risotto with Asparagus and Shrimp by Delaware Girl Eats
- Orzo Salad with Watermelon and Feta by Positively Stacey
- Elegant Orzo Shrimp & Vegetable Salad Stuffed Avocados by Kudos Kitchen by Renee
- Orzo with Provencal Pesto by Cooking Chat
- Rice Pilaf Amandine by Palatable Pastime
- Roasted Vegetable Salad with Orzo, Mozzarella and Basil by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Southwestern Orzo by The Freshman Cook
- Stovetop Orzo Macaroni and Cheese by Pies and Plots
- Summer Vegetable Orzo Pasta Salad by My Fearless Kitchen
The Sunday Supper Movement is committed to bringing our readers delicious recipes that encourage them to gather and eat together around the family table. Search for your favorite ingredients on our Sunday Supper website. Also check out the Sunday Supper Pinterest boards for plenty more ideas and inspiration. Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.
