Risotto is quickly emerging as my go to Friday meal during quarantine. It’s quick, filling, and has a wow factor. It also requires wine, which makes it a great Friday cooking/happy hour/ unwind activity. So, grab that white wine again and pencil in a glass for tonight!
Note: this recipe is adapted from the wonderful Love and Lemons.
Ingredients:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large yellow onion or 2 shallots
- 1 lemon
- 3 cups veggie broth
- 2 tbs butter (can sub for vegan butter)
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 1/4 cup white wine (the drier the better)
- salt & pepper to taste
- ½ cup peas (I used frozen)
- Handful asparagus, chopped
- Optional additions – shaved parmesan, fresh herb, poached egg, red chili flakes (I didn’t use any of these)
Directions:
- Chop garlic and onion/shallot. Zest the lemon into a small bowl, set zest aside, and cut lemon in half.
- In a small pot, bring veggie broth to a simmer.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat butter, oil, onion/shallot, garlic, and salt. Cook for 4-5 minutes.
- Add rice to skillet, and toast for a minute.
- Cut lemon in half. Squeeze half of lemon over rice, and add white wine. Let it cook for 2 min, stirring frequently until liquid evaporates.
- Time for the spoon by spoon method! Turn down heat on skillet, and add broth to rice, one ladle at a time- as in, once the broth evaporates, add the next ladle. It should take about 20 min total, and be sure to stir frequently throughout. Taste the rice; if it’s not cooked, continue with spoons of water. Add in asparagus and peas with last spoonful.
- Remove pan from heat. Squeeze other lemon half over risotto, then sprinkle with zest and any needed salt/pepper. Add in optional toppings if desired, and enjoy!
What am I listening to as I make this? “Life is Confusing” by Langhorne Slim
What can I learn while I make this? What exactly lemon zest is. The zest is the yellow part of the lemon peel (skin/rind refers to the entire peel). These are not interchangeable!! The white part of the skin is bitter whereas the yellow zest part has the bright, lemon flavor.
What if I want a good dinner but not this one?
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