
Ingredients
- 6 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to drizzle
- 3 fresh bay leaves
- 1 red onion, (medium) finely chopped
- 2 celery sticks, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
- 360 g of orzo pasta
- 1.3 litres of chicken or vegetable stock, hot
- 2 raw beetroots, peeled and cut into matchsticks or grated
- 1 lemon, zest and Juice
- 225 g of halloumi, diced
- 1 small bunch of chives, finely chopped
Method
Step 1
In a large pan, add 3tbsp of the oil with the bay leaves, onion, celery and carrots. Bring to a sizzle and pop a lid on for 7 mins to gently soften.Step 2
Add the orzo, turn up to a medium heat and stir for 1 min.Step 3
Now add the stock little by little and stir for 10 mins – you want the orzo to be just cooked with a slight bite. Reserve a little stock to loosen at the end.Step 4
Stir in the beetroot, lemon zest and juice and cook for 1-2 mins, season and remove from the heat.Step 5
In a non-stick pan over a medium heat, add the remaining 3tbsp of oil and cook the halloumi cubes turning frequently until light brown all over (roughly 3 mins). Remove with a slotted spoon onto kitchen paper.Step 6
Lastly, discard the bay leaves and stir the chives into the orzotto, adding a little reserved stock to loosen. Serve with the halloumi scattered on top and a good drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.