Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Risotto

One of my absolute favorite things in life is a good Risotto. Some people automatically think that risotto is a difficult thing to cook, but honestly its fairly easy.....it just requires some babysitting. Its such a shame that it is not very popular in restaurants, but because of this unfortunate circumstance I HAD to find to find a good recipe. Naturally I turned to one of my favorite cooking stars: The Pioneer Woman for inspiration of course. It was there that I found the most amazing risotto! It is seriously something I cannot live without.
**Mine does not come close to looking as yummy as The Pioneer Woman's**

Sundried Tomato Risotto

 


 What you will need
 
 
 
 
4 Tablespoons Butter
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1/2 whole Large Yellow Onion, Diced 
3 cloves Garlic, Minced 
2 cups Arborio Rice, Uncooked 
8 whole Sun-dried Tomatoes Packed In Oil, Drained And Minced  -- I tend to use more
1 cup Dry White Wine (optional) -- I use Red Wine
7 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth 
Salt As Needed 
Freshly Ground Black Pepper 
1 cup Parmesan, Freshly Grated 
1/4 cup Heavy Whipping Cream 

How it's Done


Heat broth in a saucepan or in a microwave safe pitcher. I used the microwave since its easier, then I just let it rest in there until I am ready for it.

Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot or dutch oven (love my dutch oven!) over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the onions start to become transparent.

Add the dry rice. Stir gently to coat and cook for about 3 minutes.

Pour in the wine. Stir gently and cook over medium-low heat until most of the liquid is gone. Add in minced sundried tomatoes and stir. 

Then begin adding broth, one cup at a time, stirring gently while the rice absorbs the liquid. (This is where the babysitting begins) Repeat this until the rice is done---it usually takes between 6 and 8 cups of broth. You don't want the rice to be completely soft and mushy, it needs to have a slight bite. 

Remove from heat, then stir in Parmesan and heavy cream. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. 
Bon Appetit!