There are always loads of recipes I'd like to try but lose them before I do. This is where I can record recipes I find interesting and keep notes on my experiments with them.

I have a system that I've adopted for working through recipes:

1 - New recipes are saved to the Experimental Mouffette and is labeled : Untested
2 - As I'm working out the changes I'd like to make (if any) it is labeled : Testing
3 - Once I think I've got the correct formula it is labeled : Test 1
4 - IF I am able to reproduce the effect a second time it is labeled : Test 2 - if I am not able to reproduce the effect, it remains Test 1
5 - The same process as step 4 is used to graduate it to Test 3
6 - Once I have been able to reproduce the effect successfully 3 times, it graduates to my main blog, La Mouffette Gourmande

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Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Orzotto with Greens and Smoked Bacon - Untested


Serves 4
100g (3.5oz) smoked bacon ends, chopped 
1 onion, finely chopped 
1 Tbsp (14g) butter 
350g (12oz) dry pearl barley 
½ cup dry white wine 
approx. 1.5 litres / 6 cups meat or vegetable broth, kept hot, as needed 
350g (12oz) fresh greens — spinach, swiss chard, arugula, and/or nasturtium leaves, washed, thick stems removed, roughly chopped 
4 Tbsps grated Parmigiano Reggiano, plus more for serving 
Salt and black pepper to taste
  1. Sauté the onion and bacon in the butter over medium heat for a few minutes until the onion is softened and the bacon has rendered some of its fat.
  2. Add the dry barley and stir to coat and toast briefly, about 1 minute.
  3. Pour in the white wine and let it absorb, then begin adding the hot broth a ladleful at a time, stirring occasionally and adding more as each addition is absorbed. Continue for 35-40 minutes until the barley is tender but still has some bite.
  4. About 5 minutes before the barley is done, stir in the greens. (Nasturtium leaves, being more delicate, should go in at the very end — just 1-2 minutes before serving.) Continue cooking until wilted and tender, adding a final ladleful of broth if needed to keep things loose.
  5. Stir in the Parmigiano. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  6. Serve immediately with additional grated cheese on the side.

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