Alton Brown Risotto Recipes

WILD MUSHROOM AND ASPARAGUS RISOTTO

Steps:

• In an electric kettle or medium saucepan with a lid, combine chicken broth and white wine and heat just to simmering. Keep warm.
• In a large 3 to 4-quart heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and a pinch of salt and sweat until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the rice and stir. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until the grains are translucent around the edges. Be careful not to allow the grains or the onions to brown.
• Reduce the heat to low. Add enough of the wine and chicken stock just to cover the top of the rice. Stir or move the pan often, until the liquid is completely absorbed into rice. Once absorbed, add another amount of liquid just to cover the rice and continue stirring or moving as before. There should be just enough liquid left to repeat 1 more time. It should take approximately 35 to 40 minutes for all of the liquid to be absorbed. After the last addition of liquid has been mostly absorbed, add the mushrooms and asparagus and stir until risotto is creamy and asparagus is heated through. Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan, lemon zest, and nutmeg. Taste and season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• *Cook's Note: If fresh wild mushrooms are not available, reconstituted dried mushrooms can be used instead. Place 2 ounces of dried mushrooms into a bowl and cover with warm water. Allow to sit for about 30 minutes or until all the mushrooms are soft and pliable.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH RISOTTO

Steps:

• Heat the butter and sage in a 6-quart pressure cooker over medium-high heat until the butter begins to brown slightly, about 1 minute. Add the squash, onion, garlic and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
• Add the rice and stir until the grains are evenly coated. Stir in the wine, broth and 2 cups water. Add the parmesan rind, if desired. Lock the lid in place, increase the heat to high and bring the cooker to high pressure. Lower the heat to maintain high pressure and cook 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and use the quick-release valve to bring down the pressure according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Carefully remove the pressure-cooker lid. Discard the parmesan rind, if using. Add the chopped gouda and stir until the cheese melts and the risotto thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the arugula. Garnish with shaved gouda.