Spring Vegetable Risotto with Toasted Pine Nuts


Spring Vegetable Risotto with Toasted Pine Nuts
April, 2007

Serves 6 / A comforting, vegetable-studded dish. Ingredient tip: If you can't find baby vegetables, regular ones will do; just cut into 2-inch pieces. Prep tips: If baby carrots are thicker than your pinky, halve them lengthwise. When making risotto, aim for consistent, medium-low heat. Use high-quality Parmesan cheese and freshly toasted pine nuts for best flavor.

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
12 ounces mixed baby squash
(green and yellow pattypan squash, baby zucchini), halved lengthwise
12 ounces asparagus, trimmed and
cut diagonally into 2-inch lengths
4 ounces baby carrots, cut into
2-inch pieces
3 tablespoons water

4 cups reduced-sodium
vegetable broth
2 teaspoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup minced shallots (about 2)
11/2 cups Arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/8 teaspoon saffron powder
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
2 lemons, cut into sixths

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a deep, wide skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Add squash, asparagus, and carrots. Sauté 3 minutes, tossing occasionally. Reduce heat, add water, and simmer, covered, 4 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender. (Pattypan squash may need an extra 1—2 minutes.) Remove with a slotted spoon. Dry skillet.
2. Meanwhile, microwave broth in a medium bowl until hot, 6—8 minutes. Remove and cover.
3. Heat butter and remaining 2 tablespoons oil in original pan over medium-low heat. Add shallots and cook, stirring, until softened, 3—5 minutes. Stir in rice until coated. Add wine, increase heat, and boil for 2 minutes or until absorbed. Reduce heat to medium-low; add saffron and
1 cup hot broth. Stir and simmer gently until broth is nearly absorbed. Repeat with remaining broth (1 cup at a time), stirring after each addition, for about 20 minutes total.
4. While rice is still moist and a bit of liquid remains, stir in vegetables until heated through. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese. Sprinkle each serving with pine nuts and a squeeze
of lemon juice. Serve hot.

PER SERVING: 372 cal, 34% fat cal, 14g fat, 2g sat fat, 3mg chol, 9g protein, 52g carb, 2g fiber, 328mg sodium


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