Spring Pea Orzo Recipe 435

Steps:

• 1. Grate zest from lemon to equal 2 tsp. Cut lemon in half; squeeze juice from lemon to equal 1/2 cup. 2. Prepare pasta according to package directions. Whisk together shallots, next 4 ingredients, and lemon juice. Toss together pasta and shallot mixture. Cover with plastic wrap, and chill 1 to 48 hours. 3. Toss together pasta, peas, snow peas, next 2 ingredients, and lemon zest just before serving. Add salt, pepper, and additional lemon juice to taste.

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil and cook the orzo following pack instructions until al dente. Drain, then immediately plunge into cold water to halt the cooking.
• Halve the lemon, then cut the tips from the artichokes with a serrated knife and strip away the tough outer leaves. Pare away any tough bits from the bases, and trim the stalks to about 5cm, peeling away the outer skins to reveal the white cores. Quarter the artichokes, scooping out the hairy chokes, then halve each quarter. Transfer to a bowl and squeeze over the juice from half the lemon, tossing to coat.
• Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed frying pan over a medium heat and fry the potatoes, spring onions, garlic and artichokes, stirring for 5-6 mins until the potatoes are starting to brown. Add the mint sprig, wine and 500ml water, then season, cover and simmer for 12-15 mins until the potatoes and artichokes are tender. Add the broad beans and peas and cook for 2 mins more until tender but still retaining their bright colour. Remove the pan from the heat. Drain the orzo and stir into the pan with the chopped mint and most of the lemon zest, then leave to stand for a couple of minutes so the orzo can absorb the flavours. Taste for seasoning and adjust the salt, and squeeze over the remaining lemon half, if you think it needs it.
• Dish into warmed bowls and top with spoonfuls of the ricotta. Scatter over the crushed pink peppercorns and the remaining lemon zest, then grate over some pecorino to serve.

Steps:

• Put the pancetta in a large, deep frying pan over a medium-high heat and fry until crisp and golden. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon, transfer to a plate and set aside. Reduce the heat, add the onion along with a pinch of salt and fry in any leftover fat for 5 mins. Add the garlic and continue to fry for a further 3 mins.
• Increase the heat and stir in the orzo. Fry for 2 mins, stirring constantly, then pour in 500ml stock and bring to a simmer. Add more stock by the ladleful, stirring constantly, as the orzo absorbs the liquid (similar to cooking a risotto).
• After 5 mins, stir in the petit pois and bring the mixture to a simmer. Continue to add the remaining stock, stirring, as the mixture cooks. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through. Add the lemon zest and juice, basil, parmesan and fried pancetta. Season to taste, then cover and leave to rest for 2 mins. Serve with extra parmesan sprinkled over the top.