This recipe is loaded with so much gorgeous flavour. It’s rich, spicy and best of all, it’s SO easy to make! Follow me…
Orzo with ‘Nduja
What is ‘Nduja?
‘Nduja – pronounced ‘en-doo-ya’ – is a spicy spreadable sausage from southern Italy. You can add it to a range of different dishes such as pizza, pasta, or various meats and seafood. Or just can slather straight on crackers or bread! Today, however, we’re turning it into an irresistible sauce for orzo. The recipe itself is relatively simple and doesn’t require too many ingredients. The ‘Nduja offers a large amount of flavour, but it’s taken to new heights with some other goodies.
Flavour enhancers
Shallots & Garlic – These add a base flavour. Both are fried in butter, of course. Tomato Puree – Aka Tomato Paste. This is necessary to add depth to the sauce. Herbs – I love pairing ‘Nduja with rosemary. I think sausage and rosemary in general is a glorious combination. I also love adding parsley too, just for an extra burst of fresh flavour and to garnish. Lemon Juice – This lifts the whole dish and helps cut through the richness of the sauce. Parmesan – I love stirring this through at the end for an extra punch of flavour.
To create the sauce, we’re going to use chicken stock and cream. I did test this recipe without cream, but it’s just so much better with cream. It mellows out the intense tangy/spicy flavour of the ‘Nduja and helps create a creamy, glossy sauce.
Cooking the orzo
Instead of cooking the orzo separately and then combining it with the sauce, we’re actually going to cook it in the sauce. Not only does this mean less washing up, but it also means the excess starch from the orzo will help create a glossy/creamy sauce. The orzo also soaks in all the delicious flavours of the sauce too. Process shots: fry shallots in butter (photo 1), fry garlic and rosemary then tomato puree and ‘Nduja (photo 2), stir in orzo (photo 3), add stock, cream and lemon juice (photo 4), simmer and stir (photo 5), stir in parsley and parmesan (photo 6).
Where can I find ‘Nduja?
You’ll find it in some supermarkets (I’ve seen it in Sainsbury’s and Waitrose), but most certainly in Italian grocers and online.
Is there anything I could substitute with?
Unfortunately, I’m yet to find anything close to the iconic taste and texture of ‘Nduja (leave suggestions in the comments if there is!)
How spicy is this dish?
‘Nduja will differ in spiciness from brand to brand, but this recipe shouldn’t be overbearingly spicy either way. Just a nice buzz!
How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
It’s important that you’re using double/heavy cream to prevent it curdling from the lemon juice. Also, try and make sure the stock isn’t piping hot and the cream is at room temp. Sometimes pouring fridge-cold cream into boiling stock causes it to curdle.
Serving ‘Nduja Orzo
I love finishing with some more parmesan and parsley, but this is completely optional. This dish is great as it is because it’s so rich and hearty, but you could also add some sliced chicken on top as I’ve done below! For another ‘Nduja recipe check out my ‘Nduja & Pesto Potatoes! Alrighty, let’s tuck into the full recipe for this ‘Nduja orzo shall we?!
How to make ‘Nduja Orzo (Full Recipe & Video)
For more similar recipes check out these beauties:
Orzo Recipes
Garlic Butter Prawn Orzo Baked Feta Orzo Garlic & Parmesan Sausage Orzo Tomato, Spinach & Bacon Orzo Lemon Chicken Orzo
