Rainbow Orzo & Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe – Ancho Chile Flavors

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Rainbow Orzo & Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe – Ancho Chile Flavors

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – it’s a real hug in a bowl, especially perfect for those cozy fall and winter evenings. I first made this when I was craving something comforting but wanted to add a little bit of a flavour twist. The combination of the sweet squash, colourful orzo, and smoky ancho chile is just chef’s kiss. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Rainbow Orzo & Roasted Delicata Squash isn’t just beautiful to look at, it’s bursting with flavour and texture. It’s a wonderfully comforting dish that’s a little bit different from your usual pasta bake. The mild sweetness of the delicata squash pairs beautifully with the nutty Gruyere and the subtle heat of the ancho chile powder. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this colourful masterpiece:

• 1 cup Rainbow Orzo (about 170g)
• Water, as needed
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tsp Olive oil
• 2 Garlic cloves, minced
• 5-6 Sweet Peppers
• 2 tbsp All-purpose flour (about 16g)
• 1 cup 2% Milk (240ml)
• 1 cup Grated Gruyere (about 100g)
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 Delicata Squash
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tbsp Ancho Chile powder
• Few Scallions, for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients to make sure you get the best results:

Rainbow Orzo: A Colorful Pasta Choice

Rainbow orzo is just regular orzo pasta that’s been coloured with vegetable juices – it doesn’t change the flavour, just adds a lovely visual appeal! If you can’t find rainbow orzo, regular orzo works perfectly fine.

Delicata Squash: A Winter Squash Spotlight

Delicata squash is my favourite winter squash because you can actually eat the skin! It has a delicate, sweet flavour and a lovely texture when roasted. If you can’t find delicata, butternut squash or acorn squash are good substitutes, but you’ll need to peel them.

Ancho Chile Powder: Exploring its Flavor Profile & Regional Origins

Ancho chile powder comes from dried poblano peppers. It has a mild, fruity heat with notes of raisin and chocolate. It’s a staple in Mexican cuisine and adds a wonderful depth of flavour to this dish. You can usually find it in the spice aisle of most supermarkets or online.

Gruyere Cheese: A Nutty & Complex Addition

Gruyere is a firm, yellow cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a nutty, earthy flavour that melts beautifully. It’s a bit of a splurge, but it really elevates the sauce. If you can’t find Gruyere, Emmental or Jarlsberg are good alternatives.

Olive Oil: Choosing Quality for Flavor

A good quality olive oil really makes a difference. I prefer extra virgin olive oil for its flavour and health benefits.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rainbow orzo according to package directions – usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once cooked, drain it and set it aside.
2. While the orzo is cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Now, let’s roast the squash. Slice the delicata squash into rings (no need to peel!). Toss them with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and the ancho chile powder. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.
4. While the squash is roasting, let’s make the cheese sauce. Heat a teaspoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sweet peppers and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.
5. In a separate saucepan, whisk together the flour with a few tablespoons of milk to create a smooth paste. This is your roux!
6. Gradually whisk in the remaining milk, bringing it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Now, blend the garlic-pepper mixture with the milk sauce until smooth. Return the sauce to the saucepan and simmer for 2 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Gruyere cheese until melted and smooth.
9. Finally, combine the cooked orzo with the creamy cheese sauce. Let it sit for a minute or two to thicken slightly.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the orzo! Al dente is key for the best texture.
• Roasting the squash brings out its natural sweetness. Don’t skip this step!
• Stir the cheese sauce constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the Gruyere with a vegan cheese alternative and use plant-based milk. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavour! My friend, Priya, swears by this version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation (Orzo Substitute): Use gluten-free orzo or a rice-based pasta alternative.
• Spice Level Adjustment: If you like things spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
• Fall/Winter Festival Adaptation: Add some toasted pecans or cranberries for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the orzo in bowls, top with the roasted squash rings, and garnish with chopped scallions. A side of crusty bread for soaking up the sauce is always a good idea!

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

What is rainbow orzo and how does it differ from regular orzo?

Rainbow orzo is simply orzo pasta that has been coloured with vegetable juices. It tastes exactly the same as regular orzo, it just looks more fun!

Can I use other types of squash instead of delicata?

Yes, you can! Butternut squash or acorn squash are good substitutes, but you’ll need to peel them first.

What can I substitute for Gruyere cheese?

Emmental or Jarlsberg are good alternatives to Gruyere. You could also use a sharp cheddar for a different flavour profile.

How can I adjust the heat level of this dish?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for extra heat.

Can this dish be made ahead of time?

You can roast the squash and make the cheese sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine everything when you’re ready to serve.

Is rainbow orzo a good source of nutrients?

Orzo, like other pasta, provides carbohydrates for energy. It also contains some protein and fibre. The added vegetable colours in rainbow orzo don’t significantly change its nutritional value.

Enjoy! I really hope you love this recipe as much as I do. Let me know in the comments if you try it and what you think!