It was a winter day and I was craving risotto, but I only had Orzo in the house, so I decided to have a little fun and create a recipe as I went. I wrote the steps down along with what I added, but please keep in mind this was the first batch. If there is something I think will be modifying next time, I will make a note for you and myself. The ingredients and steps are listed below. I have also included a video that shows how I created the recipe. The recipe starts at 34:38

For the Orzo

1 Tbs oil

1 Tbs butter

4 to 5 shallots finely chopped

2 Cups of Orzo

1/2 of white wine (I used chardonnay since this is what I had on-hand)

2 1/2 Cups (plus) of warm to hot Chicken Stock (I could have added a bit more near the end or I would lessen the parmesan cheese)

1 tsp Rosemary

1 tsp Garlic Powder

2 Tbs Nutritional Yeast (optional)

A pinch of nutmeg

1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (or less. The amount is your choice)

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mushtooms

2 to 2 1/2 cups of sliced mushrooms (I used Bella mushrooms)

In one large pan, on medium heat, add the butter and olive oil and in another pan the other pat of butter for the mushrooms.

For the Orzo, heat until the butter is melted then add the two cups of Orzo and stir for several minutes while the Orzo gets toasted and light brown.

For the mushrooms melt the butter and add the mushrooms and cook until tender.

to the Orzo pan:

Add the 1/2 cup of white wine and stir until it is absorbed

Add 1/2 cup of the warm to hot chicken stock (I microwaved mine, but it can be in a pot next to the Orzo) and stir until absorbed. I kept repeating the process until I used up the 2. 1/2 cups constantly stirring and keeping and eye on the Orzo. (You could add all at once and cook on a simmer until the liquid is absorbed and the Orzo is tender.)

Once all of the liquid is added, add the cooked mushrooms, herbs and spices. Cover on a low simmer until the Orzo is plump and cooked. Keep checking to stir and see if adding Chicken stock if needed.

Before serving add the parmesan cheese and stir in until melted.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

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