Vermouth In Saffron Orzotto

Our answer

Nigella's Saffron Orzotto (from NIGELLISSIMA) is similar to a risotto but made with pearled barley (the Italian word for barley is orzo). It also doesn't need the continual stirring of a traditional risotto. The recipe includes 2 tablespoons (30ml) of dry white vermouth.

It is possible to omit the vermouth and just add 2 extra tablespoons of chicken stock. The vermouth adds a little extra depth and can brighten the flavour of saffron. You may like to add a small squeeze of lemon juice to the orzotto at the end of cooking instead, if you omit the vermouth. But taste the orzotto first and adjust it to your own palate.