Recipe of the month: Klein River Parmesan Orzo with Greek-Style Meatballs and Green Olives

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INGREDIENTS

(Klein River Parmesan cheese)

(Serves 4)

CHICKEN MEATBALLS

500 g chicken mince

1 onion, chopped finely

1 egg

salt and black pepper for seasoning

60 ml dried breadcrumbs, soaked in 40 ml cold water

60 ml finely grated KLEIN RIVER parmesan cheese

zest of 1 lemon

10 ml dried oregano

1 garlic clove, crushed

30 ml olive oil

PARMESAN ORZO

15 ml olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1 ml dried crushed chili

250 ml orzo

15 ml chopped fresh thyme

100 g pitted green olives

450 ml chicken stock

100 ml white wine OR cream

40 g KLEIN RIVER parmesan cheese, grated

30 g butter

zest of 1 lemon

herbs to sprinkle over just before serving

optional to add more KLEIN RIVER parmesan shavings for garnish

METHOD:

• Preheat the oven to 180°C.

  TO MAKE THE MEATBALLS:

• Combine the chicken mince, onion, egg, salt and black pepper, soaked breadcrumbs, KLEIN RIVER parmesan cheese, lemon zest, oregano and garlic in a bowl and mix well.

• Wet your hands a little and shape about 20 meatballs (each weighing about 40g).

• Heat the oil in a large frying pan on low heat and add the meatballs.  Cook on low heat on both sides until cooked and golden brown.  Do not overcook.  Remove from the pan and keep aside.
  
  TO MAKE THE ORZO:

• Heat the olive oil in a casserole and add the onion,  garlic and chili flakes to the pan then saute until a light golden brown.  
• Add the orzo, fresh thyme, olives, chicken stock and white wine or cream. Season and bring to a simmer.  Place the lid on the casserole and bake in the oven for 20minutes.  
• Add the KLEIN RIVER parmesan cheese, butter, lemon zest and the meatballs to the orzo.  Mix it in very gently and bake for 5 minutes without the lid.
• Remove from the oven, sprinkle over some fresh herbs of choice and KLEIN RIVER parmesan shavings. Serve immediately
• TIP:  Add a little extra chicken stock OR cream just before serving if needed.

Buy Klein River Cheese and more online here.

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