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Orzo with Summer Squash and Toasted Hazelnuts

3.9

(68)

People who turn their noses up at rice often find this tiny pasta irresistible.

Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 40 min

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    40 minutes

  • Yield

    Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups orzo (10 ounces)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup finely chopped shallot (6 1/2 ounces)
2 medium zucchini (1 1/2 pound total), cut into 1/3-inch dice
2 medium yellow squash (1 pound total), cut into 1/3-inch dice
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 cup hazelnuts (4 ounces), toasted , loose skins rubbed off in a kitchen towel, and nuts coarsely chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
2 teaspoons finely grated fresh lemon zest

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cook orzo in a 4- to 5-quart pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain orzo in a colander.

    Step 2

    While orzo is cooking, heat butter and oil in a deep 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then sauté shallot, stirring, until golden, about 5 minutes. Add zucchini, yellow squash, salt, and pepper and sauté, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are just tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in nuts, parsley, basil, and zest.

    Step 3

    Add cooked orzo to skillet and stir gently. If mixture seems dry, moisten with some reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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