Mediterraneanrisottowithotherinfluences Recipes

MEDITERRANEAN RISOTTO (WITH OTHER INFLUENCES!)

Steps:

• Pre-cook pumpkin in the microwave for approximately 3 minutes, or until a skewer can be inserted through the cube, but with some resistance (i.e. don't cook until the point of mush!). Place the pumpkin on a lined baking tray and place in a hot oven (200 degrees celsius) for 20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden.
• Spray a large ovenproof dish with a little oil and cook the chicken (if using). Remove from dish. Spray dish with some more oil, add the garlic and onion and fry (on a high heat) until onion is translucent, yet slightly golden. Add the rice and coat the grains with the oil the onions have been cooking inches Add the wine and saffron and stir in before adding 1 cup of the warmed stock. Bring to the boil then lower the heat, stir constantly until most of the liquid has been absorbed. Add another cup of water and repeat the process of stirring until most of the liquid has been absorbed. Repeat with the remaining cups of water. The amount of liquid needed can sometimes vary from person to person, I find I need 6 cups, but you might only need 4. I advise testing the rice after four cups of stock has been added, that way you'll know how much to add (basically keep adding stock until the rice tastes cooked!).
• Stir in the pumpkin, corn, mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes and the chicken. Remove from heat and gradually stir in the spinach until it's wilted. Season with lots of cracked black pepper!
• Add in the cheese (if using) and the pine nuts.

MEDITERRANEAN RISOTTO

Steps:

• Heat 1/4 cup of the broth and the garlic to boiling in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in rice. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Pour 1/2 cup of the broth over rice mixture. Cook uncovered over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until liquid is absorbed. Continue cooking 15 to 20 minutes, adding broth 1/2 cup at a time and stirring occasionally, until rice is almost tender and creamy.
• Stir in remaining ingredients. Cook 1 minute.

MEDITERRANEAN RISOTTO

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over a low heat.
• Add arborio rice to saucepan, and stir ensuring all the rice is covered by the oil.
• Add white wine and stir until evaporated.
• Add chicken stock, salt and pepper, then stir while bringing quickly to the boil.
• Cover saucepan with a tight fitting lid, and lower heat.
• Simmer for 10 minutes, then turn off stove without removing the lid of the saucepan.
• Stand for 10 minutes without removing the lid.
• Stir in spinach leaves, then the sun-dried tomatoes, olives and parmesan cheese.
• Serve immediately.

RISOTTO WITH MORELS

Steps:

• Put the morels in a small bowl, add the water and set aside to soak for 30 minutes. Drain the morels, reserving the liquid. Mix the liquid with the stock and place in a saucepan. Keep at a low simmer.
• Heat the butter in a heavy saucepan, add the onion and garlic and saute over medium-low heat until tender but not brown, about 10 minutes. Stir in the rice and cook, stirring, a few minutes until the rice begins to whiten. Add the wine and the morels. Stir.
• Gradually add the simmering stock, about half a cup at a time, stirring constantly. Add additional stock as each ladleful becomes absorbed into the rice. Continue adding the stock until the rice has swelled and is al dente. Continue to cook, stirring, another minute or so. The rice should be just tender and moistened with a thickened sauce.
• Serve dusted with Parmesan cheese.

RISOTTO ALLA MILANESE

Steps:

• Heat butter in a large, heavy saucepan. Add shallots and saute over medium heat until soft but not brown. Stir in rice and cook for several minutes, until the rice is well coated with butter.
• Place the stock in another saucepan and keep it simmering.
• Dissolve the saffron in a little of the stock in a small dish and stir into the rice.
• Then, stirring the rice constantly, add the simmering stock, about one-half cup at a time, adding additional stock every few minutes as the rice absorbs it. After about 25 minutes, the rice should have absorbed most of the stock and be "al dente" and cohere in a creamy mass. Do not overcook the rice. Season to taste.
• Serve at once with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.