Best Orzo With Caramelized Butternut Squash And Bacon Recipes

Orzo Salad image

Provided by Trisha Yearwood

Time 40m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
1 small butternut squash, peeled and cut into a 1/2-inch dice (about 4 cups)
6 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound orzo
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup sliced almonds
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
4 scallions, thinly sliced

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Toss the butternut squash with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Spread the squash into a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until the squash is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside to cool.
While the squash is cooking, cook the orzo in the boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water and set aside.
Meanwhile, whisk together the vinegar, honey, lemon zest and juice, 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper and the remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil in a large bowl. Toss in the orzo, squash, cranberries, almonds, dill and scallions until everything is coated. Serve in a large bowl, or transfer to 8-ounce mason jars with lids for easy traveling. Serve at room temperature.

Brown-Butter Orzo With Butternut Squash image

Provided by Melissa Clark

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 cup thinly sliced shallots (2 to 3), or use onion or leek
1 small (2-pound) butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 3/4-inch cubes (3 cups)
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage leaves, or 2 teaspoons chopped rosemary or marjoram, plus more for serving if you like
1 teaspoon fine sea salt or table salt, plus more as needed
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for serving
1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, plus more for serving
3 cups vegetable stock or chicken stock
1 1/2 cup uncooked orzo
1 lemon, zested and halved
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
1/2 cup whole-milk ricotta (optional)

Steps:

In a medium Dutch oven, or a large (12-inch) skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the foam subsides, the milk solids turn golden brown and it smells nutty and toasty, 3 to 4 minutes. (Watch carefully to see that it doesn't burn.)
Stir in shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Add squash, sage, a large pinch of salt, the 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and the 1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, and cook until squash is golden at the edges and begins to soften, 12 to 17 minutes.
Add stock and bring to a simmer. Stir in orzo, lemon zest and the 1 teaspoon salt. Cover the pan and simmer over medium-low heat until orzo is just tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, 14 to 18 minutes, stirring once or twice. If the pan dries out before the orzo and squash are tender, add a splash or two of water.
Remove pan from heat and stir in Parmesan. Taste and add more salt if needed, and a squeeze of lemon juice if the dish needs brightness. Dollop with ricotta if using, and sprinkle with more grated Parmesan and black pepper just before serving, garnishing the top with more red-pepper flakes and sage.