Luxe Leek and Parmesan Risotto
Experience the rich, creamy goodness of Luxe Leek and Parmesan Risotto, a culinary masterpiece that brings the comforting flavors of arborio rice, sautéed leeks, and hearty chicken broth together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re entertaining guests or indulging in a quiet night at home, this risotto pairs beautifully with freshly grilled steelhead, enhancing the savory taste of both dishes. The method of slowly stirring in the broth creates a wonderful creaminess without the need for heavy cream, while the hint of white wine elevates the flavor profile. Embrace the joy of cooking as you whisk away with friends, savoring each delightful bite.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
3 tablespoons (divided)
leeks
2-3 (white part and a little green, chopped)
light cream
1/2 cup (or dairy substitute)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
chicken broth
5 cups (warmed)
olive oil
1 tablespoon
onion
1/3 cup (minced)
dry white wine
1/2 cup
Arborio rice
1 1/2 cups
Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (grated)
parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped (for garnish))
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, warm the chicken broth over low heat until it reaches a gentle simmer. Keep it warm throughout the risotto preparation.
2
In a thick-bottomed 2-quart pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped leeks and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
3
Pour in the light cream (or your chosen dairy substitute) and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another few minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally. Set this leek mixture aside.
4
In the same cleaned pot, or a large sauté pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
5
Add the minced onion to the pan and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and fragrant. Add the Arborio rice and stir for 2-3 minutes until the grains turn opaque and lightly toasted.
6
Pour in the dry white wine and stir constantly until it is fully absorbed, leaving no liquid behind.
7
Begin adding the warm chicken broth to the rice, 1/2 cup at a time. Stir continuously and wait until the liquid is mostly absorbed before adding more broth. This process will help the rice release its starches and create a creamy texture.
8
When you have about 5 minutes left of cooking time, return the sautéed leeks to the pot along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine, allowing the cheese to melt and integrate into the risotto.
9
Continue stirring until the risotto reaches your desired thickness, which should be creamy and al dente. Adjust seasoning to taste.
10
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley, either on top or stirred in for fresh flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Luxe Leek and Parmesan Risotto?
It is a creamy, comforting dish made with arborio rice, sautéed leeks, chicken broth, and parmesan cheese, often served at dinner parties or as a main course.
How many servings does this risotto recipe make?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What type of rice should be used for this recipe?
Arborio rice is used for this recipe to achieve the desired creamy texture.
Can I use a dairy substitute for the light cream?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of a dairy substitute in place of the 1/2 cup of light cream.
How should the leeks be prepared?
You should use the white part and a little of the green part, chopped.
What is the total amount of butter required?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of butter in total, used in divided portions.
Why do you need to warm the chicken broth?
The broth is kept warm to ensure it doesn't lower the temperature of the rice while cooking, helping the rice release its starches properly.
How long should the leeks be sautéed?
Sauté the chopped leeks for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
What type of wine is recommended for this risotto?
A dry white wine is recommended for the best flavor profile.
How much chicken broth is needed?
The recipe calls for 5 cups of chicken broth.
When should the Parmesan cheese be added?
The grated Parmesan cheese should be added when there are about 5 minutes left of cooking time.
What is the correct consistency for the finished risotto?
The finished risotto should be creamy in texture and cooked al dente.
What protein pairs well with this dish?
This risotto pairs beautifully with freshly grilled steelhead.
How much onion is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of minced onion.
What is the purpose of adding the broth 1/2 cup at a time?
Adding broth slowly and stirring continuously helps the rice release starches, which creates the signature creaminess.
How much Arborio rice is needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of Arborio rice.
What garnish is suggested for serving?
The dish should be garnished with 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley.
How much Parmesan cheese should I grate?
You will need 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
When do I add the sautéed leeks back into the rice?
Return the sautéed leeks to the pot during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Should the wine be fully absorbed before adding broth?
Yes, stir constantly until the dry white wine is fully absorbed before you begin adding the chicken broth.
What heat should the chicken broth be kept at?
The chicken broth should be kept at a gentle simmer over low heat.
How long should I toast the rice?
Stir the rice for 2-3 minutes until the grains turn opaque and are lightly toasted.
Is olive oil used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of olive oil is used along with butter to sauté the onion and rice.
How many leeks should I buy?
The recipe calls for 2 to 3 leeks.
Do I need to add salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper should be added to taste during the leek preparation and adjusted at the end.
What makes this risotto 'Luxe'?
The addition of leeks, light cream, and white wine creates an elevated and rich flavor profile.
Is this a good dish for a dinner party?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a dinner party dish and a culinary masterpiece for entertaining.
How long should I cook the onion?
Sauté the minced onion for 3-4 minutes until it is soft and fragrant.
Does this recipe use heavy cream?
The recipe uses light cream, but notes that a creamy texture is primarily achieved by slowly stirring in the broth.
What type of pot is best for cooking the risotto?
A thick-bottomed 2-quart pot or a large sauté pan is recommended.