Full question
Can you use pearl couscous or orzo pasta in the place of pearl barley for the Saffron Orzotto? I am having a terrible time finding the latter.
Our answer
Nigella's Saffron Orzotto (from NIGELLISSIMA) is made with pearl barley. The Italian name for barley is orzo. Barley is fairly robust and will cook in this recipe without becoming mushy. Both orzo and pearl couscous are types of pasta that cook quickly and unfortunately will become overcooked if used as direct substitutes. If you are using them then you would need to reduce the cooking time and also adjust the amount of liquid used and as we have not tried ourselves we are unable to advise on the adjustments.
You could use farro as an alternative to pearl barley. Farro is an ancient grain that has become popular again. However you must use the pearled type of farro and not the whole grain. The whole grain type usually needs soaking and then a very long cooking time, so would not work as well in the orzotto.
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