Heirloom Tomato Risotto Delight
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Heirloom Tomato Risotto Delight, a quintessential recipe that showcases the vibrant and juicy qualities of fresh sun-ripened tomatoes. This dish is a favorite in our kitchen, perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. The creamy texture of arborio rice mingles beautifully with the robust essence of the tomatoes, elevating the dish to a heavenly experience. Though this recipe requires attentive preparation, the result is a fragrant and visually stunning risotto that embodies the heart of Italian cuisine. Savor each bite adorned with fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of parmesan, making it a remarkable, vegetarian-friendly option for any occasion.
8
Servings
252
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable stock
4 cups (heated)
unsalted butter
1/4 cup (melted)
extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (used for cooking)
shallots
8 (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
4 (crushed)
arborio rice
1 1/2 cups (uncooked)
white wine
1/3 cup (used for cooking)
tomatoes
8 (seeded and coarsely chopped)
parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups (grated)
fresh basil leaf
1/2 cup (torn)
sea salt
to taste (for seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a saucepan, heat the vegetable stock over medium heat until it almost boils. Then, reduce the heat to low, keeping it hot but not boiling.
2
In a heavy-bottomed skillet or saucepan, combine the unsalted butter and extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until melted.
3
Add the finely chopped shallots to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and translucent but not browned.
4
Stir in the crushed garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
5
Add the arborio rice to the skillet, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the grains are evenly coated with the butter and oil, about 1 minute.
6
Pour in the white wine, stirring until it is completely absorbed by the rice, which will take about 2-3 minutes.
7
Begin adding the hot vegetable stock one ladle at a time. Stir continuously and wait until the liquid is absorbed before adding the next ladle, allowing the flavors to meld.
8
After 10 minutes of cooking, gently fold in the seeded and coarsely chopped tomatoes, continuing to add stock as previously directed. Cook until both the rice and tomatoes are tender but still retain a slight firmness, about 10 more minutes.
9
Reserve the final ladle of stock to control the creaminess of the risotto.
10
Stir in the reserved stock, grated parmesan cheese, torn fresh basil leaves, and season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
11
Mix well until creamy and combined. Remove from heat, cover the pan, and let it rest for 2 minutes to achieve the perfect consistency.
12
Before serving, sprinkle additional parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of flavor.
Nutrition Information
9.5g
Fat
32.6g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heirloom Tomato Risotto Delight?
It is a vegetarian Italian dish featuring creamy arborio rice mixed with the robust flavors of fresh heirloom tomatoes and parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is a vegetarian-friendly option that uses vegetable stock and fresh produce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What type of rice is required for this risotto?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of uncooked arborio rice.
What are the primary flavor components?
The primary flavors come from sun-ripened heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, shallots, and parmesan cheese.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 252 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 9.5g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 7.5g of protein.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 32.6g of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of stock should I use?
The recipe specifies 4 cups of vegetable stock, which should be heated before use.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
You should use 8 tomatoes that have been seeded and coarsely chopped.
How much parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping.
What is the purpose of the white wine?
1/3 cup of white wine is used to deglaze the pan and add depth of flavor as it is absorbed by the rice.
How many shallots are needed for this dish?
You will need 8 finely chopped shallots.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe requires 4 crushed garlic cloves.
What fats are used to sauté the vegetables?
A combination of 1/4 cup unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil is used.
How do I add the vegetable stock to the rice?
Add the hot stock one ladle at a time, stirring continuously until the liquid is absorbed before adding the next ladle.
When should I add the tomatoes to the risotto?
Gently fold in the tomatoes after the rice has been cooking for 10 minutes.
How long do the tomatoes cook with the rice?
They should cook for about 10 more minutes until both the rice and tomatoes are tender but firm.
Why should I reserve the final ladle of stock?
Reserving the final ladle allows you to better control the final creaminess of the risotto.
What fresh herb is recommended for this recipe?
1/2 cup of torn fresh basil leaves is mixed into the risotto at the end.
How should I season the dish?
Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste during the final mixing stage.
Does the risotto need to rest before serving?
Yes, after removing from heat, cover the pan and let it rest for 2 minutes to achieve the perfect consistency.
How do I prepare the stock for cooking?
Heat it in a saucepan over medium heat until almost boiling, then reduce to low to keep it hot.
How long should I sauté the shallots?
Sauté them for 1-2 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
How long do I cook the garlic?
Stir in the crushed garlic and cook for one minute until it becomes fragrant.
How long should I toast the arborio rice?
Stir the rice constantly for about 1 minute until the grains are evenly coated with oil and butter.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 12 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Can I add extra cheese?
Yes, the instructions suggest sprinkling additional parmesan on top before serving for extra flavor.
What makes this risotto 'heavenly'?
The combination of creamy arborio rice with the robust essence of fresh sun-ripened tomatoes creates an elevated dining experience.