Ultimate Risotto Primavera Recipes

SPRING GREEN RISOTTO

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the leeks and fennel and saute for 5 to 7 minutes, until tender. Add the rice and stir for a minute to coat with the vegetables, oil, and butter. Add the white wine and simmer over low heat, stirring constantly, until most of the wine has been absorbed. Add the chicken stock, 2 ladles at a time, stirring almost constantly and waiting for the stock to be absorbed before adding more. This process should take 25 to 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cut the asparagus diagonally in 1 1/2-inch lengths and discard the tough ends. Blanch in boiling salted water for 4 to 5 minutes, until al dente. Drain and cool immediately in ice water. (If using fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until the starchiness is gone.)
• When the risotto has been cooking for 15 minutes, drain the asparagus and add it to the risotto with the peas, lemon zest, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Continue cooking and adding stock, stirring almost constantly, until the rice is tender but still firm.
• Whisk the lemon juice and mascarpone together in a small bowl. When the risotto is done, turn off the heat and stir in the mascarpone mixture plus the Parmesan cheese and chives. Set aside, off the heat, for a few minutes, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and serve hot with a sprinkling of chives and more Parmesan cheese.

RISOTTO PRIMAVERA

Steps:

• In large saucepan, saute mushrooms, carrots, onion and garlic in hot oil until onion is tender.
• Add uncooked rice.
• Cook and stir over medium heat 3-5 minutes or until rice is golden brown.
• Meanwhile, in another saucepan, heat water, bouillon and cooking wine to a boil.
• Slowly add one cup of the broth to the rice mixture, stirring constantly.
• Cook and stir over medium heat until liquid is absorbed.
• Continue to add 1/2 cup of broth at a time to rice mixture, stirring constantly, until all broth has been added and the rice mixture is creamy.
• Add cheeses and stir until well blended.
• Garnish, if desired, with fresh parsley and diced tomato.

EASY PARMESAN "RISOTTO"

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the rice and 4 cups of the chicken stock in a Dutch oven, such as Le Creuset. Cover and bake for 45 minutes, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is al dente. Remove from the oven, add the remaining cup of chicken stock, the Parmesan, wine, butter, salt, and pepper, and stir vigorously for 2 to 3 minutes, until the rice is thick and creamy. Add the peas and stir until heated through. Serve hot.

GRILLED RISOTTO PRIMAVERA

Steps:

• Brush asparagus with 2 tablespoons of the oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Grill for 4 to 5 minutes, until just cooked through. Cut on the bias into 1/2-inch pieces. Set aside.
• Use side burner or preheat grill. (Have stock simmering on grill or burner) Heat the oil in a medium saucepan, add the onions and shallots and cook until soft. Add the rice and stir to coat with the oil. Add the wine and completely reduce. Begin adding the stock 1 cup at a time, stir until absorbed. Repeat with the remaining stock and continue cooking until al dente. Fold in the asparagus, corn and peas and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and fold in the basil. Serve with Parmesan cheese on the side.