Zesty Low-Fat Prawn Risotto with Pea Medley
Indulge in this flavorful and light prawn risotto that blends the zesty notes of kaffir lime leaves with tender green king prawns and sweet peas. This dish is not just a delight for the taste buds, but it's also a healthier option, utilizing low-fat ingredients while remaining rich and creamy. If you're unable to find kaffir lime leaves, fresh lime zest and a squeeze of juice will perfectly substitute, ensuring that bright citrus flavor remains intact. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this risotto is both comforting and refreshing.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken stock
5 cups (or vegetable stock, kept warm in a saucepan.)
leek
1 (finely sliced (or 1 chopped onion).)
garlic cloves
2 (crushed.)
kaffir lime leaves
2-3 (thinly sliced (or use lime zest and a little juice).)
arborio rice
1 1/2 cups (uncooked.)
cooked prawns
250-300 g (peeled and deveined.)
frozen peas
3/4 cup (no need to defrost.)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground.)
sea salt
to taste
parsley
for garnish (fresh, chopped.)
parmesan cheese
optional (for serving on the side.)
Instructions
1
In a large pan, sauté the finely sliced leek in 1/2 cup of chicken stock over medium heat until the leek is soft and translucent.
2
Add the crushed garlic and sliced kaffir lime leaves (removing the vein) to the softened leek, stirring well to combine it for about a minute.
3
Stir in the arborio rice, allowing it to toast slightly and take in the flavors for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously.
4
In a separate medium saucepan, bring the remaining chicken stock to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
5
Add 1 cup of simmering stock to the rice mixture. Stir gently, and cook until the liquid is absorbed. Continue adding the stock, one cup at a time, stirring frequently, allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next.
6
Once the rice is al dente and all the stock has been incorporated, gently fold in the frozen peas and cooked prawns. Stir well to combine, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the peas are tender and the prawns are heated through.
7
Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Serve garnished with fresh parsley, and offer grated parmesan cheese on the side for those who desire a richer flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Low-Fat Prawn Risotto?
It is a flavorful and light risotto dish that combines kaffir lime leaves, green king prawns, and sweet peas for a healthy yet creamy meal.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 11 ingredients in total, including seasonings and garnishes.
What type of rice is used for this risotto?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of uncooked arborio rice.
Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
Yes, the recipe specifies you can use either 5 cups of chicken stock or vegetable stock.
What is a good substitute for kaffir lime leaves?
If kaffir lime leaves are unavailable, you can substitute them with fresh lime zest and a small squeeze of lime juice.
Is this prawn risotto suitable for a low-fat diet?
Yes, it is designed as a healthier, low-fat option that uses stock for sautéing instead of oil or butter.
Do I need to defrost the peas before cooking?
No, the 3/4 cup of frozen peas can be added directly to the risotto without defrosting.
What can I use if I don't have a leek?
You can use one finely chopped onion as a substitute for the leek.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The 2 cloves of garlic should be crushed before being added to the pan.
How many prawns are required?
The recipe requires 250-300 grams of peeled and deveined cooked prawns.
Should the prawns be raw or cooked?
This specific recipe uses already cooked prawns that are heated through at the end.
How do I prepare the kaffir lime leaves?
The kaffir lime leaves should be thinly sliced after removing the central vein.
How much stock is used to sauté the leek?
The leek is sautéed in 1/2 cup of chicken stock until soft and translucent.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to sauté the finely sliced leek in a large pan with 1/2 cup of chicken stock.
How do you sauté without oil in this recipe?
The leek is softened by sautéing it in chicken stock over medium heat.
Why is the rice stirred for 1-2 minutes before adding liquid?
This allows the arborio rice to toast slightly and absorb the flavors of the garlic, leek, and lime.
How should the remaining stock be added to the rice?
The simmering stock should be added one cup at a time, stirring frequently and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next.
What texture should the rice have when finished?
The rice should be cooked until it is al dente.
When do you add the frozen peas and prawns?
They are gently folded into the rice once it is al dente and all the stock has been incorporated.
How long do the peas and prawns need to cook?
They should be stirred and cooked for an additional 1-2 minutes until the peas are tender and prawns are heated through.
What garnish is recommended for this risotto?
The dish is served garnished with fresh, chopped parsley.
Is cheese included in the recipe?
Grated parmesan cheese is listed as an optional addition to be offered on the side.
What kind of seasoning is suggested?
The recipe recommends seasoning with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Is this recipe good for guests?
Yes, it is described as being perfect for both a weeknight dinner or for impressing guests.
How much stock is needed in total?
A total of 5 cups of stock is required.
What makes the risotto 'zesty'?
The zesty flavor comes from the addition of sliced kaffir lime leaves or lime zest and juice.
Is the stock added cold or hot?
The stock should be kept simmering in a separate saucepan before being added to the rice.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include prawn risotto, low fat, healthy dinner, comfort food, quick meal, and seafood recipe.
Does this risotto have a creamy texture?
Yes, despite being low-fat, the dish remains rich and creamy.
Is this a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an easy dinner option.