Myth Busters

I think because it is associated with fancy schmancy dinners and special night-out restaurant meals, many families (read: moms) assume risotto is:

1. too difficult to make at home
2. takes far too much time to even consider making at home
3. cannot possibly be healthful, since it is so decadent and rich

Allow me to bust a myth or two...

1. If you can pour, stir and chop, you can make risotto
2. If you have 15-20 minutes, you can make risotto from start to finish
3. You can make really, really good risotto without heavy cream or butter

Confession: I hadn't made risotto in years because I had fallen into the fallacy of the risotto myths. Last week I made some risotto for the first time and kicked myself for allowing so much time to pass since I had made it.

This Spring Risotto recipe is hearty enough to serve as a stand-alone meal, or perfect for an accompaniment to a simple baked or grilled fish, chicken, vegetables or meat. It was a big hit with SPH, G and I...R oddly wasn't that into it, but he is going through his pickiest phase yet. So we'll see...now that I have this recipe up my sleeve, I'll be trying it again soon.

Spring Risotto

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 - 15 oz can of artichoke hearts, chopped (or alternatively, use 1 - 1 1/2 cups of frozen artichoke hearts)
1 cup arborio rice
1/4 cup dry white wine (or use additional broth)
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1 cup frozen peas

In a large sauce pan over medium high heat, heat the olive oil and add the onion and artichoke hearts. Saute for 3-4 minutes or until the onions begin to become translucent. Add the arborio rice and stir well, to coat the rice well with the olive oil.

Add the white wine. Stir and in about 1-2 minutes, add one cup of the broth. Stir occasionally until the broth has been absorbed by the rice, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Keep adding broth in 1/2-1 cup increments until the rice is cooked (taste it if you are not sure!).

When the rice is cooked, add the salt, pepper, milk, cheese and peas. Stir well. Serve.

Serves 4.


Hmmm...think it looks a little plain? Click here for the recipe of what we served on top of this lovely risotto.

SPC