A light and delicious risotto with healthy spinach. Add chopped fresh mint or grated lemon rind for a refreshing taste. As with most risottos, start with a beautiful homemade chicken broth, or if you are pressed for time, a good quality organic broth will do just fine. This recipe calls for quite a lot of fresh spinach as it folds into nothing when adding to the cooked risotto. And, don't forget fresh parmesan!
Heat a 12 inch deep skillet on medium
Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons of good quality Olive Oil
1 Medium Onion, finely chopped
1 Small Clove of fresh Garlic, smashed and the centre removed
1 Cup Arborio Rice
6-8 Cups of Organic Chicken Broth
5-6 Cups of Fresh Spinach
3/4 Cup of Freshly Grated Parmesan
1 Teaspoon of Maldon Sea Salt
Freshly grated Pepper to taste
1/2 Cup Pine Nuts, toasted lightly
Method:
Heat a 12 inch skillet on medium heat and add the olive oil until heated through
Add chopped onion and stir on medium low until translucent
Add the garlic and Arborio rice and stir for two minutes
Start adding the chicken broth one cup at a time - after each cup stir the risotto until the liquid is just about absorbed - then add another cup
Season to taste throughout the cooking process with sea salt and pepper
Keep stirring the risotto until the rice is cooked through or al dente, whichever your preference - this can take up to 20 minutes or more so be patient and enjoy the process
When the rice is cooked through, turn off the heat and add the spinach, 1/2 cup of the parmesan cheese and half of the toasted pine nuts
Serve in pasta bowls and top with remaining cheese and pine nuts for garnish
Healthy and Delicious!
Toasting Pine Nuts:
You must be very careful not to burn these little gems - as many cooks will confess, it can happen just like that! And they aren't cheap!
Heat a small skillet on medium heat and when it is hot, reduce the heat a little
Add pine nuts and shake the pan or use a wooden spoon to move them around until they are slightly golden
Remember not to take your eyes off of them!
Remove from heat immediately and set aside
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