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Ricotta lemon orzo with Sicilian eggplant and zucchini on a plate on the light blue gingham tablecloth. There are also Sicilian eggplants, zucchini and lemon on the table.

Ricotta Lemon Orzo with Grilled Eggplant and Zucchini

Brighten up your summer table with this Ricotta Lemon Orzo with Grilled Eggplant and Zucchini. Creamy ricotta mixed with orzo is brightened up with zesty lemon and fresh herbs and topped with grilled summer harvest and pine nuts.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2 people
Calories 925 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz orzo
  • 2 Sicilian eggplants
  • 2 zucchini
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • A dash crushed red pepper
  • Zest and juice from 1 lemon plus more for serving
  • ½ cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • 2 tbsp. pine nuts toasted
  • Fresh herbs like dill and mint for garnish
  • Extra virgin olive oil for frying and serving
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Save 1 cup of pasta water. Drain and set aside.
  • Slice the eggplant into 1-inch-thick rounds. Cut the zucchini lengthwise into halves. Score a crisscross pattern on the cut surface of eggplant and zucchini. Sprinkle a dash of salt and let sit for 15 minutes. Pat dry excess moisture. Brush olive oil on all sides.
  • Grill or pan-fry the eggplant and zucchini over medium heat, cut side down, until golden brown for 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Flip them, cover, and cook until cooked through. Remove from the heat, cool, and cut into bite-size pieces.
  • In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and crushed red pepper. Cook until fragrant for a few minutes. Reduce heat to low and add ½ cup pasta water. Stir in ricotta and mix until creamy. Add the cooked orzo, parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Add more pasta water, if necessary, to achieve a creamy consistency.
  • Divide the orzo into serving bowls. Top with the grilled eggplant and zucchini, pine nuts, fresh herbs, and lemon zest. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice and enjoy.

Video

Notes

Please note that the nutritional information provided is just an estimate, and accuracy is not guaranteed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 925kcalCarbohydrates: 128gProtein: 38gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 53mgSodium: 563mgPotassium: 2048mgFiber: 21gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 1182IUVitamin C: 64mgCalcium: 463mgIron: 5mg
Keyword eggplants, orzo, ricotta, zucchini
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