Ingredients
– 1 cup of arborio rice
– 4 cups of vegetable broth
– 1 (juiced and zested)
– 1/2 cup of white wine
– 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
– 2 shallots (finely chopped)
– 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
– 1/4 cup of fresh basil (finely chopped)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
1. In a pot, bring the vegetable broth to a simmer over medium heat.
2. In a large saucepan, heat up some extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add in the shallots and garlic and saute for 2-3 minutes or until softened.
3. Add the arborio rice to the saucepan and stir for 1-2 minutes to toast the rice, making it slightly translucent.
4. Pour the white wine into the risotto mixture and stir continuously until the wine has evaporated.
5. Slowly start adding the simmering vegetable broth to the risotto mixture, one ladleful at a time, making sure to stir frequently until the liquid has been absorbed before adding more broth.
6. Keep adding the vegetable broth to the risotto mixture for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked through and has a creamy texture. You may not need to use all of the vegetable broth.
7. Once the risotto is cooked, add in the lemon zest and lemon juice and stir until fully incorporated.
8. Turn off the heat and add in the parmesan cheese, butter, and chopped basil. Stir until everything is fully blended.
9. Taste the risotto and add salt and pepper as needed.
10. Serve the risotto hot with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Tips:
– Make sure to constantly stir the risotto while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
– For a creamier risotto, you can add a tablespoon of heavy cream at the very end.
– You can top the risotto with some extra parmesan cheese and fresh basil for additional flavor.
In conclusion, lemon and basil risotto is a wonderful and easy dish to make for any occasion. It’s light, flavorful, and perfect for summer dinners, brunches, or lunches. Try this delicious recipe for a refreshing burst of flavors in your next meal!