Best 2 Minted Squash Orzo Recipes

Minted squash orzo is a delightful and versatile dish that combines the refreshing flavors of mint and the sweet and savory notes of butternut squash with the chewy texture of orzo pasta. This unique culinary creation is a symphony of flavors and textures that is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Let's embark on a culinary journey to discover the best recipe for this exquisite dish, exploring the perfect balance of ingredients and cooking techniques that will elevate your next meal to new heights of culinary delight.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

MINTED SQUASH-ORZO SALAD

Minted Squash-Orzo Salad image

Provided by Claire Robinson

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

Kosher salt
1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
4 tablespoons garlic-flavored olive oil
1 large yellow squash, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced
Freshly ground pepper
6 ounces crumbled feta cheese (about 1 1/4 cups)
3/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped, plus more for topping

Steps:

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over medium heat. Stir in the orzo and cook as the label directs. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water until cool. Drain, shake off the excess water and transfer to a large bowl.
Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons garlic olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the squash, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to brown, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature.
Add the squash to the bowl with the orzo. Stir in three-quarters of the feta, the mint, the remaining 2 tablespoons garlic olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Top with the remaining feta and more mint.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 249 calorie, Fat 8.5 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Cholesterol 19 milligrams, Sodium 361 milligrams, Carbohydrate 34 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 9 grams, Sugar 4 grams

MINTED SQUASH ORZO

MINTED SQUASH ORZO image

Categories Pasta Side Vegetarian

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

1 cup dried orzo pasta
1/4 cup garlic flavored olive oil, divided
1 large yellow squash, about 8 ounces, quartered lengthwise and sliced
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped, plus more for garnish

Steps:

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over medium heat. Stir in the orzo and cook for 8 minutes; pasta will be slightly undercooked. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain the orzo in a colander in the sink. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the squash, season with salt and pepper, to taste, and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown and soften, about 4 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and add the cooked orzo and cooking water. Bring to a simmer and stir in 3/4 of the feta; season with salt and pepper. Cook until the water is absorbed, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons oil and mint. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle the remaining feta over the top and garnish with additional chopped mint.

Tips for Making Minted Squash Orzo:

Use a mix of squash varieties. This will give your dish a more complex flavor. Try using butternut squash, acorn squash, or kabocha squash.
Roast the squash before adding it to the orzo. This will help to caramelize the squash and bring out its natural sweetness.
Use a good quality vegetable broth. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your dish.
Season the dish to taste. Add salt, pepper, and other spices to taste.
Garnish the dish with fresh mint. This will add a pop of color and freshness.

Conclusion:

Minted squash orzo is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is also a great way to use up leftover squash. With its roasted vegetables, creamy sauce, and fresh herbs, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!