Anyone who has followed this site will know that I LOVE risotto. I have several recipes on site and this is, yet, another one.
- 1/2 lb. mushroom mix (crimini, white button, shitake)
- 2 tbsp. olive oil, divided
- 3 tbsp. butter, divided
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup dry, white wine
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 small red bell pepper, cored, seeded and diced
- 2 cups Arborio rice
- 1/2 lb. thin stalk asparagus, trimmed and cut in I inch pieces. Blanch until tender
- 1/2 cup Asiago cheese
- 1 tsp. freshly grated lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel and remove the stems. Heat a fry pan on medium high heat. Add 1 tbsp. each of olive oil and butter. When hot, add the mushrooms and saute until soft. Set aside including with any liquid that has accumulated.
In a saucepan add stock and wine and heat to a simmer. Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add the remaining olive oil and butter. Add the shallots, onion and red pepper and gently saute until the onion has become translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the rice and stir fry for 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Add enough hot stock to just cover the top of the rice. Stir constantly until the liquid is almost completely absorbed and add about 1/2 cup more liquid, again stirring constantly. Repeat these steps until all the liquid has been absorbed. This will take EXACTLY 22 minutes.
Add the asparagus and mushrooms including any of the juices. and heat through. Remove from the heat and add the Asiago cheese. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately in warm serving dishes.
This pairs beautifully with either red or white wine. I guess it just depends on your taste or what you are serving with it.
Spring Vegetable Paella
Normally Paella is made with seafood but, with Spring just around the corner, this is something we can make and really enjoy. Serve with fish, chicken or barbecued ribs.
This will serve 7-8 people
- 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cut into wedges
- 8 oz. baby carrots, scrubbed and trimmed
- 8 oz. red skinned baby potatoes, quartered
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1/4 cup Italian parsley, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. saffron threads
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 14 oz. can diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 1/4 cups Arborio rice, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 lb. asparagus, trimmed, cut in 1 inch pieces
- 14 oz. garbanzo beans, rinsed
- grated zest from 2 limes
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Toss the squash, carrots, potatoes with 1/4 cup olive oil in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Spread out on a parchment lined baking sheet and roast until all are tender and browning around the edges. This should take about 30-35 minutes.
Combine the parsley and garlic in a small bowl and stir in the paprika, saffron and set aside.
Heat the remaining 2 tbsp. oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion and sauté until soft. Add the tomatoes, rice and parsley mixture. Stir in the broth.
Bring to a boil then reduce to low heat. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir in the asparagus and beans and heat through. Add the roasted vegetables. Season to taste.
Transfer to a large platter and sprinkle with the lime zest and some of the juice from the limes.
Limoncello Risotto
Hurray to me…I found a side dish with two of my “most -liked” items- risotto and limoncllo. I had made my own limoncello and it is soooooo good especially when chilled. (besides I saved $30.00 plus dollars per bottle.) I made 2 and after sharing with many friends, I still have 1 bottle left, that was until now.
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 1 tbsp. fresh lemon zest
- 1 1/3 cups Arborio rice
- 2 shallots, minced
- 1/2 cup Limoncello (sip to the chef)
- 6 1/2 tbsp. unsalted butter
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup fresh baby mixed greens (no radicchio)
- 1 tsp. olive oil
- 1/4 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
As before in risotto recipes, turn off the phone, grab a coffee, pull over the stool and go for it. In a large saucepan, bring the vegetable stock to the boil and add the lemon zest. Remove from the heat, letting it infuse for about 30 minutes.
Reheat the stock and keep warm. In a saucepan, add 2 tbsp. butter and when melted, add the shallots, cooking until transluscent. Now you can add the rice cooking it for two minutes, stirring constantly, of course. Add the Limoncello and bring to the boil on high heat (to evaporate the alcohol).
Add the stock, a ladle at a time, stirring until each addition has completely been incorporated. This, my friends, takes EXACTLY 22 minutes. Okay, have another sip..small one ( of course) of the Limoncello. Add butter and lemon zest and stir to combine well.
Place the lettuce in a small bowl, tossing with the oil and lemon juice. Transfer the lettuce to small ramekins, pressing down lightly. Top with risotto and smooth off the top. Revert onto your serving plates and remove the ramekin.
I know…show off! Never mind, add a few ooey-gooey ribs or rack of lamb and you have a wonderful meal. The only thing needed is a glass of wine. This recipe makes for 4 guests.
Risotto-My Most Favourite Dish Ever
I have so many recipes for risotto and here is one more. This is a basic risotto and can be used at any time with anything. Darn….I’m hungary just thinking about it and, no, we don’t make it as often as I would like. Thank goodness!
- 4 cups warmed chicken stock
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 tbsp. finely minced onions
- 1 cup Arborio rice (make sure it is a quality product)
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 2 tbsp. heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 tbsp. chopped flat leaf parsley
- 1/4 – 1/3 cup grated Asiago cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Black Truffle oil for drizzling
Keep the chicken stock simmering on the stove at a very low heat. In a heavy bottomed saucepan, heat the oil and add the onions and cook until golden in cololur. Add the rice and stir to coat each and every grain with the oil.
Begin the process (here, unplug the phone, pour a coffee, get a stool if needed but do not stop this process for 22 minutes EXACTLY).
Add 1 cup of the hot stock and use a wooden spoon to stir. Allow this liquid to be absorbed and then, by 1/2 cup measures, continue the process making sure the liquid is almost all absorbed before adding the next lot. Stirring constantly is the secret here.
With the last addition of liquid, add the butter and cream. This will become very creamy and now add the parsley. Remove from heat, top with freshly grated Asiago cheese and drizzle with the truffle oil.
I know,…..you’re welcome. See? I didn’t lie. Oh, please let me refresh your glass of wine.
Damn, you did it again!
Wilted Spinach and Lime Risotto
Another summer dish to make and enjoy. I love spinach and truly love risotto…put them together and WOW!
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/3 cups Arboro rice
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Asiago cheese
- 1 tsp. grated lime zest
- 1 tbsp. lime juice
- pinch of ground pepper
In a saucepan bring the broth and 1 1/2 cups water to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and keep warm.
In a skillet, melt the butter over a medium heat; add the garlic and shallots, stirring occasionally until softened. Add the rice and stir to coat and toast the grains for about 1 minute. Add the broth, 1/2 cup at a time. Stir this continually until the liquid is almost absorbed, then keep adding the broth in this manner until all is absorbed. This, by the way, takes exactly 22 minutes. (Don says “not one minute more – not one minute less”).
Remove from the heat. Stir in the spinach, cheese, lime zest and juice and pepper. Serve immediately.
It can be called a vegetable dish or loosely termed “salad”. Whatever works for you and your family/friends. More wine, anyone?
Roasted Trout With Sweet Pea Risotto
This is a wonderful trout and risotto recipe. Serve with great flourish for company and be sure to pair it with a perfectly chilled Pinot Gris. Absolutely divine.
- 6 x 4 oz. pieces of trout, skin and bones removed. Fresh is preferred
- 2 cups fresh sweet peas (not frozen)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cups arborio rice
- 1/4 cup Pinot Gris
- 8 cup hot vegetable stock
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup mascarpne cheese
- 6 mint leaves, chopped
- juice from large lime
- pea shoots for garnish
Preat oven to 350 degrees. Season the trout with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Over medium heat, sweat the onions until transluscent. Add the rice and toast, stirring for 60 seconds. Add the wine. Stir constantly. To make risotto takes EXACTLY 22 minutes.
Add 2/3 of the stock and bring to a simmer. Turn down the heat and keep at a low simmer while cooking the rice. Once the rice has absorbed most of the liquid, add more (about a cup) and keep warm. Once it has become tender but still firm, fold in the butter and the mascarpone. Finally add the peas and adjust the seasoning with the lime, pinch of salt and pepper.
Divide between 6 bowls and and serve with the trout.
Trout
Sear the trout in a pan with olive oil (just enough to coat the pan). Pat dry with a towel and place skin side up in the pan. Place in oven and cook for 3-5 minutes depending on the thickness of the fish. Place on top of the risotto. Splash with lime juice and garnish with pea shoots.
Now, walk back into the kitchen and say, to yourself, “you show off you.”
Rice Pudding Your Mama Never Made……
Come on, this is comfort food at it’s best. Next to macaroni and cheese, stews, chili and more. It has been ‘upgraded’ , if you will, to becoming spectacular.
- 3/4 cup golden raisins
- 1/2 cup spiced rum
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup arborio rice
- 1 tbsp. butter
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- pinch of salt
- whipped cream
Put the raisins in a small bowl and pour the rum over them. Cover and let sit for up to 2 hours. Drain off the liquid. (Secret here: soak the raisins in hot water for about 5 minutes and drain, then add the rum)
Scrape the vanilla bean seeds into a small dish and set aside. Combine the water, rice and bean in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer cooking covered for about 20 minutes (until the liquid has all been absorbed. Uncover, remove and discard the vanilla bean and let cool down.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8 cup baking bowl with the butter and set the bowl inside a large roasting pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, brown sugar, eggs, egg yolk, salt and now the reserved vanilla seeds. Add the cooked rice and stir to mix well. Pour into the baking dish. Put the roasting pan on the oven rack and now add boiling water to halfway up the side of the bowl and baking until the pudding is set in the center and is browning around the edges.
Remove from the roasting pan and let cool for about 15-20 minutes. Serve with a generous dollop of sweetened whipped cream. If you want to add insult to injury….pour a glass of ice wine to complement the pudding.
Yippee! What comfort as this is darn good and you did it.
Coconut Rice Pudding Springrolls With Raspberry Sauce
Deep fried springrolls – take a back seat. This is the dessert version and is actually, super delicious.
- 1/2 cup arborio rice
- 2 x 14 oz. cans light coconut milk
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
- 2 inches lemongrass
- 1/4 tsp. preserved ginger, diced small
- pinch of salt
- 1/3 cup dried apricots, diced
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 10 phyllo pastry sheets
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 container of pistachio ice cream
- fresh raspberries for garnish
In a pot stir together the rice, coconut milk, sugar, vanilla bean, lemongrass, ginger and salt over medium heat. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is cooked and thickened slightly, 20 – 30 minutes.
Transfer to a bowl, discard the bean and lemongrass and stir in the apricots. Cover and refrigerate until cold, about 1 – 1 1/2 hours.
Heat oven to 350 degrees.
Place 3/4 cup of shredded coconut on a parchment line cooking sheet and bake, stirring once, until golden, 5 – 8 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Gently unroll phyllo sheets and place on a kitchen towel. Cover with a damp kitchen towel to prevent drying out as you are working.
Lay one sheet of pastry, long side facing youi on a dry flat surface and brush evenly with a coating of the melted butter and fold in half, lengthwise. Brush lightly again with the melted butter and sprinkle with 1 tbsp. of the toasted coconut. Spoon 3 tbsp of the rice pudding along the side closest to you and gently roll up the dough around the pudding. Fold in the sides over the filling and continue to roll the dough to encase the filling.
Transfer seam side down, to another parchment lined baking sheet and top with a little more butter. Repeat process with remaining pyhllo. Sprinkle with remaining non-toasted coconut and bake until golden brown and the pudding has warmed through (15 – 20 minutes). Let cool slightly before serving the the Raspberry Sauce below.
Raspeberry Sauce
3 cups fresh raspberries
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
In a small pot stir together all ingredients over medium heat. Cook until raspberries start to release their juices and break down, about 5 minutes.
Taste. If too tart, add more sugar and cook, stirring constantly until dissolved.
Place in a blender and puree until smooth. Strain sauce through a fine sieve; discard solids and refrigerate sauce until ready to use.
When ready to serve, set 2 spring rolls on a plate, put a splash of sauce and drag across the plate. Add fresh raspberries and serve. Add a large scoop of pistashio ice cream on the side. Voila!
Remember the mantra…..damn I can do this…..you just did.
Gena and Don’s Seafood Paella
A few years ago, our friend Gena was out for a visit and, after pouring her a glass or two of white wine, the two of them started to invent. This is basically what transpired. Me? I set the table and watched and just listened to these two. Believe me, this was an education. More laughter than a comedy club.
- 3 tbsp. Spanish olive oil
- 1/2 – 3/4 lb. raw jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 1/2 tsp. sweet Spanish smoked paprika
- 2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. sugar
- 4 oz. Spanish chorizo, sliced into 1/4 inch half moons
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 tbsp. minced garlic
- pinch of saffron threads, crumbled
- 2 cups Arborio rice
- 3 cups of fish or chicken stock
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 pound manila clams, well washed and purged
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 lb. mussels, well scrubbed and debearded
- 3 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
- 2 lobster tails, quartered
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Set a 14 inch paella pan over medium high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season shrimp with 2 teaspoons paprika and pinch of salt. Once oil is hot, sear shrimp, about 1 minute per side. Remove from pan and set aside. Add the remaining oil and chorizo to pan and sear, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is nicely browned (1 – 3 minutes).
Add onion, garlic and saffron to pan and saute, stirring often, until lightly carmelized – 6 – 7 minutes. Add rice and cook, stirring, 3 minutes. Season with the remaining salt and paprika. Add stock to the pan, bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer and cook, without stirring, until the rice is no longer soupy but some liquid still remains. Give the rice a stir to loosen and add the clams with their opening edges facing up. Reduce to low heat and simmer for about 5 minutes.
Add the peas, mussels (again, facing up) and shrimp to the pan and continue and stir if using lobster tails.
Transfer pan to the oven and cook until the clams and muassels have opened and most of the liquid has been absorbed, and the rice is almost cooked through (10 minutes). Remove from the oven, cover and let stand for about 10 minutes before serving. Serve with the garnished parsley.
Oh yeah, be sure to have more wine in the cooler. Now, where did I put my glass? Gena, did you take it?
Lemon and Crab Risotto
I really love Risotto and this is a super entertaining fare for guests and family alike.
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter (2 tbsp. each lot)
- 2 leeks, sliced fine (white section only)
- 3/4 cup Chardonnay white wine
- 2 cups Arborio rice
- 6 cups homemade hot fish stock (see below)
- 1 fresh lemon
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Asiago Cheese
- 1/2 lb Crabmeat (Dungeness if you can get it, never canned crabmeat)
- 1/4 tsp. paprika
- lemon wedges for presentation
- 1 tsp chopped tarragon
Broth Ingredients
- 2 tbsp sea salt
- 1 large crab
- 1 tsp. white peppercorns (crushed)
- 1 bulb fennel, trimmed and cut in 4
- 1/2 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 lb bones and trimmings from a white fish (cod, halibut etc.)
Add water to a large saucepan (enough to cover a large crab by a couple of inches. Add salt and bring to a boil. When boiling, plunge crab into water and cook for ten-twelve minutes. Remove from the water and drain well. Reserve the water. Immerse crab in cold water to cool and when cool enough to handle then crack and remove all crab meat , cover with plastic and place in fridge.
(In a large saucepan add four cups of the strained cooking liquid from crab, two cups cold water, peppercorns, fennel, parsley and bones. Bring to a boil. Cover and let simmer for ten minutes. Strain and taste to correct the seasoning if required. Measure four cups of broth and reheat. You keep this hot all the while making the risotto.
Place egg yolks, stock, dried tarragon, lemon juice in a double boiler. Whisk until it begins to thicken. Still whisking, add butter is small bits, allowing to completely melt before adding any more. When done, remove from heat and add the fresh tarragon. Do not boil or it will separate and become fodder for the garbage.
The risotto should be tender, glossy and very rich and moist. Grate the lemon peel and add the peel and the juice of the lemon to the risotto. Add remaining butter, cheese and crabmeat. The claw meat should be reheated separately and placed on top of each serving. Sprinkle with paprika (if using) and garnish the plate with lemon wedges.
Note: It looks daunting but it isn’t. It is simply one of the most elegant side dishes you can serve anyone at any time. Be sure it is a special occasion prepared for people who enjoy trying new things and will, of course, praise your cooking to the sky. I would never lie to you. You may find they will never want to leave.
Butternut Squash Risotto
I love Butternut Squash and I love Risotto so here is one that combines both.
Serves 6 (or leftovers tomorrow if serving serving 4)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded and diced
- 3 cups Arborio rice
- 1/2 cup chardonnay wine
- 12 cups chicken stock
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (fresh is best)
- 4 tbsp mascarpone cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and squash. Cook for about four minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Do not burn. Add rice and stir for about three minutes until it looks transparent.
Stir in the wine then add stock, one-half cup at a time, stirring constantly until each is absorbed. Remove from the stove and add the parmesan, mascarpone and butter, mixing well. This takes 22 minutes. Not less and not more.
Note: When making risotto only use wooden spoons so as not to crush the Arborio rice while cooking
Roasted Root Vegetable Risotto
We show root veggies here, but you can use whatever you have in the fridge. This is leftover-risotto at its finest.
you will need:
- 1 carton chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of water
- 3 cups of leftover roasted vegetables, diced
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 cup crumbled, creamy Chevre cheese
- salt and white pepper to taste
In a saucepan, heat the broth with water until hot. Cut the vegetables into small pieces and melt the butter in a large, wide saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic, cooking for a few seconds so as not to burn and add the rice and stir in.
Add the wine, stirring until no wine remains. Add the broth to the mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, gently stirring until the liquid is absorbed. This should be no more than simmering until completed. This takes 22 minutes EXACTLY. No more and certainly no less. During the last 6 minutes, add the vegetables, stir in carefully then add the cheese and stir. Taste and add salt and white pepper if needed. Serve immediately.
This is more than worth the time it takes to make. Honest. Try using potatoes, yams, carrots, turnips etc.