Creme Fraiche Risotto With Heirloom Tomatoes And Basil Recipes

CREME FRAICHE RISOTTO WITH HEIRLOOM TOMATOES AND BASIL

Steps:

• Place a large saucepan or small pot, (around 9″ in diameter) over medium heat.
• Add the olive oil and minced shallot to the pan and sauté until the shallot is tender.
• Add the aborio rice to the pan and sauté until the rice turns slightly translucent. Then, begin to add the water in 1/2 cup increments. Stir vigorously for 30-45 seconds every few minutes, adding an additional 1/2 cup water only when the rice has completely absorbed it's liquid.
• While the risotto cooks, prepare the tomato topping by mixing together the tomatoes and slivered basil together in a bowl. Set the mixture aside until the risotto has finished.
• Continue adding water in 1/2 cup increments and stirring the risotto until it's tender, about 20 minutes. You may need more or less water than is called for in this recipe due to varying circumstances like the rate of evaporation. You'll know the risotto is done when it's doubled in size and the rice is tender, but with a small speck of white remaining in the center of the grain when you bite into it, (al' dente just like pasta).
• When the risotto is finished take it off the heat and stir in the creme fraiche. Add additional sea salt to taste. This step is important because it will be very bland if you don't add additional sea salt!
• Plate the risotto by spooning some into a pasta bowl, top with a generous amount of the tomato mixture, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with a finishing sea salt (see the notes about finishing salt).
• Serve immediately.

HEIRLOOM TOMATO RISOTTO

Steps:

• Heat shallow saucepot over medium heat.
• Melt 2 Tb of butter in pot.
• Toast Arborio rice for two to three minutes.
• Re-glaze with white wine.
• Reduce wine until it's completely gone/.
• Add chicken stock, two cups at a time, waiting until stock is totally absorbed before adding the next two cups.
• After last two cups of stock are addeds, add cream and cheese and continue to cook until mixture begins to thicken.
• Be sure you are stitting often with spatula to avoid sticking.
• When mixture is thick, add tomatoes, asparagus, leeks, basil, tarragon, and pepper.
• If risotto seems to thickened, thin out with a little more stock.
• Cook for one to two more minutes, making sure not to break up the tomatoes.
• Finish with last tablespoon of butter.

TOMATOES WITH BASIL AND CREME FRAICHE

Steps:

• In a cast iron frying pan, or at least a heavy one, melt the butter. Cut the tomatoes in half and season them with salt and pepper.
• Over a low heat, cook the tomatoes, cut side down, for about 10 minutes. (The butter should foam and turn light brown, if it starts getting too dark, your heat is up too high).
• Turn the tomatoes over and add the creme fraiche.
• Leave to heat for 2 more minutes. Stir in the basil. Adjust the salt and pep, and serve.