Happy Wednesday! It's creamy pasta day when we had leftovers of Mushroom Ravioli and Creamy Pesto Sauce for lunch and the Creamy Asparagus and Spinach Orzotto with Goat Cheese and Almonds for dinner from our HelloFresh box.
|
| Creamy Asparagus and Spinach Orzotto with Goat Cheese and Almonds |
What's Orzotto?
It's a dish that takes inspiration from the traditional Italian risotto, but uses orzo pasta instead of Arborio rice. Orzo, also known as risoni, is a small, rice-shaped pasta that resembles grains of barley, hence its name, which means "barley" in Italian. When cooked, orzo becomes tender and absorbs flavors beautifully, making it a wonderful alternative to rice in risotto-style dishes.
Creamy Asparagus and Spinach Orzotto with Goat Cheese and Almonds
HelloFresh description:
"This orzo is silky and flavourful, like a risotto. Topped with asparagus, creamy goat cheese and bright spinach, this orzotto is just what you've been looking for on a rainy spring day!"
|
| Creamy Asparagus and Spinach Orzotto with Goat Cheese and Almonds |
With its small, rice-like grains, the orzo provides a tender and slightly chewy texture that perfectly absorbs the luscious cream sauce. Fragrant garlic and sweet yellow onion infuse the dish with savoury undertones.
|
| Creamy Asparagus and Spinach Orzotto with Goat Cheese and Almonds |
The asparagus offers a delicate crunch and a subtly earthy taste, while the tender baby spinach leaves add a gentle hint of bitterness. These verdant vegetables create a harmonious contrast against the creamy backdrop of the dish.
|
| Creamy Asparagus and Spinach Orzotto with Goat Cheese and Almonds |
The goat cheese is sprinkled throughout, adding a delightful tang and creaminess that complements the other ingredients. Finally, the sliced almonds provide a satisfying crunch, offering a textural contrast that completes the culinary journey.
