Spring Risotto w/Peas & Zucchini

Rich and creamy, risotto is Italian-style comfort food. If you like, you can leave out the wine and replace it with an equal amount of broth. Because of its high starch content, imported Arborio rice makes the creamiest risotto. If your market doesn't have it, substitute medium- or long-grain white rice.

  • 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 to 2 large zucchini (1 pound), cut into ½-inch cubes
  • coarse salt and ground pepper
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • 1½ cups Arborio rice
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Heat broth and 2½ cups water in a small saucepan over low heat; keep warm. Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add zucchini; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until zucchini is golden, 8 to 10 minutes.

Transfer zucchini to a plate with a slotted spoon. Reduce heat to a medium-low. Add onion; cook until soft, 5 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Raise heat to medium. Add rice; cook, stirring, until translucent around edges, about 3 minutes. Add wine; cook until absorbed, about 2 minutes. Cook, adding hot broth, 1 cup at a time (stir until almost all liquid is absorbed before adding more), until rice is tender, 25 to 30 minutes total.

Add zucchini and peas; cook until peas are bright green, 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in remaining tablespoon butter and Parmesan. Serve, topped with more Parmesan.

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