Thanks to alphamatrix/Tadpole (who introduced the subject back in October), I’ve been obsessed with risotto for the past year.. I’ve discovered a few variations that I’m absolutely in love with, and will share them all here at some point in the near future.
Basic risotto can be a one-saucepan meal, which was a big help when that was exactly what I had to work with. Now that I have my full kitchen again, I can play with a few more variations. For now, though, I’ll share what I’ve learnt since alphamatrix showed us chicken and leek risotto.
I read recipe books and blogs as inspiration, but rarely follow recipes as they stand. If I were hankering for risotto, I might do a quick search, read through a handful of promising examples, and get a feel for the general technique.. then I pretty much just do my own thing!
In this case, the basics are as follows: You need 2 cups of liquid to 1 cup of rice. Toast the rice then temper with wine. Add stock gradually, and pre-heat it for a more creamy risotto. Add other ingredients as you see fit!
My version of leek and chicken to start with:
I used chicken sausages. These are oregano, lemon, and chicken sausages from a stall at my local market (South Melbourne). I think they deserve a photo of their own, as thyey are fantastic:
One large leek, or three baby ones. Slice, rinse, and toss in a little oil until they start to soften.
Set aside, and make the basic risotto: I used an onion, a clove of garlic, and chicken stock.
Add the chicken (the pre-cooked sausages you saw earlier), and the leek.
Serve hot.
Basic risotto can be a one-saucepan meal, which was a big help when that was exactly what I had to work with. Now that I have my full kitchen again, I can play with a few more variations. For now, though, I’ll share what I’ve learnt since alphamatrix showed us chicken and leek risotto.
I read recipe books and blogs as inspiration, but rarely follow recipes as they stand. If I were hankering for risotto, I might do a quick search, read through a handful of promising examples, and get a feel for the general technique.. then I pretty much just do my own thing!
In this case, the basics are as follows: You need 2 cups of liquid to 1 cup of rice. Toast the rice then temper with wine. Add stock gradually, and pre-heat it for a more creamy risotto. Add other ingredients as you see fit!
My version of leek and chicken to start with:
I used chicken sausages. These are oregano, lemon, and chicken sausages from a stall at my local market (South Melbourne). I think they deserve a photo of their own, as thyey are fantastic:
One large leek, or three baby ones. Slice, rinse, and toss in a little oil until they start to soften.
Set aside, and make the basic risotto: I used an onion, a clove of garlic, and chicken stock.
Add the chicken (the pre-cooked sausages you saw earlier), and the leek.
Serve hot.
Ooh - sausage risotto.
ReplyDeleteAnd I will happily take credit for getting people hooked on the awesomeness that is risotto. There's nothing wrong with fantastic meals in 20 minutes!