Orzotto con spinaci, Pollo alle Mandorle

Chicken with almonds and spinach orzotto with a glass of red wine

Chicken with almonds, easy and quick to make

Here are two easy recipes that are suitable at any time of the year and can be adapted to all ages and tastes.

First of all Orzotto, this is a risotto made with orzo which is Italian for barley.

Rice - riso - Risotto

Barley-orzo-orzotto

Orzotto con spinaci

Serves 4

250g pearl barley

150g frozen spinach

1 small onion , finely chopped

1 vegetable stock cube

Olive oil

Salt and pepper

Grated cheese, to serve

Half pint of water

In a large saucepan put the pearl barley, the frozen spinach,the finely chopped onion, the stock cube and about 500ml of cold water. Bring to the boil and then simmer gently for about half an hour stirring regularly. If the orzotto seems too dry and sticks then add some more water like you would to make risotto. When the barley is cooked remove from the heat and stir in the grated cheese. Check thr seasoning and add some olive oil. Stir and serve with more grated cheese.

Petto di pollo alle mandorle, chicken breasts with almonds

Serves 4

2 chicken breasts cut into strips

Half clove of garlic, crushed (optional)

50g almonds

50g butter

1 glass of brandy (optional)

1 tbsp chopped parsley

1 small onion chopped finely

Salt and pepper to taste

Melt half the butter in a large non stick pan. Lightly brown the chicken breasts then sprinkle with lemon juice, salt and pepper and cook gently for about ten minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and leave on a plate.  Melt the rest of the butter in the pan and add the almonds, garlic and onion. When the almonds are slightly golden sprinkle over the brandy and let it evaporate. Put the reserved chicken back in the pan,stir and heat together gently. Serve with the sauce poured over and sprinkle with the chopped parsley.

If you don't make the orzotto then you can serve the chicken with plain boiled rice and some soy sauce for a more oriental flavour.

Buon appetito

The ingredients are easy to have on hand in the kitchen