Award-Winner's Gourmet Meal, On The Cheap

New York Chef Paul Liebrandt Tries To Prep It On "Shoestring" Budget Of $35

(CBS) 

Orzo Pasta with Pecorino, Salami & Garlic

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups Orzo pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup salami, diced
1 bunch spring (green) garlic, chopped
1 bunch chives, chopped
1/2 cup Pecorino cheese, grated
Salt & pepper to taste

METHOD:

Over medium heat, combine olive oil, salami and orzo. Sweat for 1 minute.

Add chicken stock and cook uncovered over medium heat for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Season with salt and pepper to taste and add spring garlic. You can substitute scallions if garlic is not readily available. Fold in chives and Pecorino, reserving 2 tablespoons of the Pecorino for garnish.

To plate serve pasta topped with grated Pecorino and drizzle a little olive oil around the edge of each plate.


Royale of Berries

INGREDIENTS:
1/4 teaspoon gelatin powder
1 cup apple juice
1 cup water
16 ounces frozen mixed berries of your choice
½ cup fresh mixed berries of your choice
½ cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 lemon, for zesting

METHOD:

Berry Gelatin:

Combine frozen berries, apple juice and water in a large saucepot. Heat over medium heat and then simmer for 4-5 minutes. Strain and stir in gelatin. Set aside to cool to room temperature.

Add 3-4 fresh berries to the bottom of martini glasses or ice cream serving dishes.

Pour room temperature gelatin mixture into each glass and refrigerate for 2 hours.

To Plate: Vanilla Whipped Cream

In a chilled stainless steel bowl, pour chilled heavy cream, whisk at an angle for 3-4 minutes until light and foamy. Fold in vanilla extract and ½ tsp lemon zest. Place a dollop of whipped cream on top of each glass and serve.


So, how did Paul do with our $35 budget?!

Broccoli Soup
broccoli $3.98
hazelnuts $.99
yogurt $.59
curry powder $1.99
lime $.49
Total $8.04

Orzo Pasta
Orzo pasta $1.49
6 cups chicken stock $4.88
salami $2.49
spring garlic $1.49
chives $1.69
Pecorino cheese $2.24
Total $14.28

Royale of Berries
gelatin $1.59
apple juice $.79
frozen mixed berries $2.99
fresh mixed berries $2.98
heavy cream $1.19
lemon $.49
Total $10.03

Grand total: $32.35

And that puts Paul up top of our "How Low Can You Go?" leaders board, perhaps on track to indeed add to his awards list!:

"How Low Can You Go?

1. Paul Liebrandt $32.35
Corton

2. Scott Peacock $32.60
Watershed Restaurant

3. Joey Campanaro $33.27
The Little Owl

[moosey1234]

This sounds like a delicious, easy, inexpensive meal. I'm going to try it tonight!

[ayatoldya]

Curry is a taste hider, not a taste enhancer. Good Curry has its place, but its not in broccoli soup, it'll quickly overpower any subtlety. Curry Broccoli Soup = India/American meh.
Orzo is good. But with Salami? bleh! Salami is too greasy for pasta. Orzo = Italian.
Royale of berries = Oh boy, Jello! American kid.

Total eclectic dinner (is it dinner?) = no thanks I don't want a doggy bag.
Am I going to consider any of these in one of my menus? Only when I am serving a survival themed dinner.

[mljohns00]

McDouble Cheesburger $1.00
Spicy McChicken Sandwich $1.00
Large Refillable Soda $1.00
------------------------------
$3.24 with tax

[justsane-2009]

it may be cheap, but it sure doesn't sound appealing...

[skeezix06]

Seriously. This is a little too exotic for me and my family.