Pumpkin & Poblano Orzo

Elegant, warm, and packed with autumn flavor, this orzo brings together pumpkin and smoky poblano for a bowl that’s hearty enough to shine on its own. For an extra-special meal, serve alongside pan-seared salmon and roasted radicchio

Yield: Serves 2–3 as a main or 3–4 as a side
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Special Equipment: Blender (for pureeing pumpkin and stock), medium saucepan or sauté pan

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp diced onion

• 2 ½ tbsp garlic cloves, minced (about 2-3 cloves)

• ¼ tsp smoked paprika

• ¼ tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ cup orzo pasta

• 1 ½ cups chicken stock or broth

• ½ cup roasted pumpkin purée

• ½ roasted poblano pepper, chopped

• 2 tbsp heavy cream

Directions

1. In a blender, combine chicken stock and roasted pumpkin purée until smooth. Set aside.

2. Heat olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 2–3 minutes until softened.

3. Add garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring.

4. Add orzo and stir to coat in the spices and oil.

5. Pour in the pumpkin–chicken stock mixture and stir in roasted poblano.

6. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and creamy.

7. Stir in heavy cream. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm.

   Serving Suggestions

   With Pan-Seared Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry, season with salt, and sear skin side down in oil until crisp. Flip and finish with garlic and thyme. Serve over orzo, skin side up.
   
   With Roasted Radicchio: Quarter radicchio, brush with olive oil, season, and sear until caramelized. Finish in the oven with butter, garlic, thyme, white wine, and lemon peel until tender. Serve alongside orzo for a pop of color and flavor.

   Garnish with fresh parsley and a drizzle of cilantro oil for brightness.

Want the cilantro oil recipe featured in this live show? Get Benjamin’s recipe in his training program. Click here to learn more!