Tuscan Risotto Recipes

TUSCAN CACCIATORE RISOTTO (RACHAEL RAY)

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, bring the wine (or chicken broth) and broth to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and keep warm.
• In a large, deep skillet, heat 1 tablespoon EVOO, over medium-high heat.
• Add the pancetta (we used bacon) and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 7 to 8 minutes.
• Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pancetta to a paper-towelled plate; set aside.
• Add the remaining 2 tablespoons EVOO, the mushrooms, onion, garlic and crushed red pepper to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes.
• Stir in the rice until coated with the oil and slightly toasted, about 2 minutes.
• Stir in the rosemary and tomato paste, season with salt and pepper and cook for one minute.
• Reduce the heat to medium and stir a ladle or two of the warm broth mixture into the risotto every few minutes until absorbed.
• After about 7 minutes, stir in the chicken along with some broth.
• Continue to add the broth gradually, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to make a creamy consistency, until the rice is al dente, about 22 minutes.
• Stir in the cheese and green peas and adjust the seasonings.
• Serve the risotto in shallow bowls topped with the reserved pancetta(bacon) bits.
• Pass more cheese around the table.
• Enjoy with some Chianti and some nice and crusty warm bread!

THE BEST RISOTTO

Steps:

• Warm the chicken stock in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, cover and keep warm while you make the risotto.
• Heat the olive oil in another medium saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the shallot, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and about 10 grinds of black pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the bay leaves and 3 tablespoons butter, stirring until the butter has melted, about 1 minute.
• Add the rice and toast, stirring only once, until it smells nutty and starts to turn light golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes.
• Pour in the wine and simmer, stirring occasionally, until it has evaporated completely, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Ladle one cup of the warm stock into the rice and cook, stirring gently without stopping, until the rice has absorbed the liquid, 2 to 3 minutes (you will know it's time to add more stock when you move the rice aside and no liquid pools in the center).
• Repeat this process, adding more stock a ladleful at a time, until the rice is al dente, 17 to 19 minutes. Discard the bay leaves. (You may have a little stock left over. If so, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.) If you prefer your risotto on the saucier side, add more stock 1/4 cup at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
• Stir in the Parmesan, the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon salt and a few more grinds of black pepper and serve with more Parmesan, if desired.