Pasta Formaggio Caprino -- Pasta with Goat Cheese and Prosciutto

1 lb. orzo
1/2 lb. prosciutto, coarsely chopped *
1/2 lb. mild, soft goat cheese, crumbled
5 scallions, thinly sliced

Directions:

Preheat broiler. Lightly oil a flameproof 3 quart shallow baking dish (at least 2 inches deep.) Cook the orzo in a large pot with 6 quarts of boiling, salted water, until cooked al dente. Drain, reserving at least ¾ cup of the pasta water.

Toss the orzo with all the remaining ingredients, adding the reserved cooking water in small increments, keeping the mixture fairly fluid, but not soupy. Toss until all the cheese is melted. Transfer the mixture to the shallow baking dish and broil 2 inches from the heat until lightly browned, about 4-5 minutes. Serve hot.

Comments from djplam :

This dish was not served too often in our home, as my mother did not care much for the taste of goat cheese. However, my grandfather was quite fond of the dish, and my Aunt would make it for him regularly. My Aunt would try to make the dish whenever she knew that we were visiting, or if she had made it would save some for me for the next time I visited. It was even grand reheated!

Have your deli man slice your Prosciutto a little on the thicker side than normal. As for the goat cheese . . . any brand will do. Just make sure it is a fairly mild goat cheese. Do not substitute any other form of cheese, it will not be the same at all. It needs the flavor of goat cheese.

* You should have at least 2 cups chopped prosciutto.

From my cookbook: The "Old Country" Italian Cookbook, by Donald J.P. La Marca

User Reviews:

Nice and simple. I previously hadn't thought of the sweet and salty combo provided from serving goat cheese with prosciutto, but I liked it. A generous helping of freshed crack pepper finishes it off nicely.

submitted by ryansnyder on November 02, 2003

This dish was really easy to make! Simple and tasty. I added some fresh ground pepper to top it off to add just a little extra something since this is a very plain (but good) dish.

submitted by jessicapino on November 01, 2003

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