Baked Risotto With Lemon Zucchini Basil Recipes

LEMON-BASIL RISOTTO WITH ZUCCHINI AND FAVA BEANS

Steps:

• Remove fava beans from pods. Bring a pot of water to a boil, and submerge beans for 1 minute, then drain and chill in cold water. Slit translucent skin of each bean and discard. Test a bean for tenderness: if hard, simmer for 2 to 8 minutes, until tender. Cover and refrigerate until needed, up to 2 days.
• Pour broth into a saucepan, bring to a simmer and keep warm. Place a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven and a large skillet on stove. Divide butter or oil, garlic and shallots between the two pans.
• Place Dutch oven over medium heat and sauté garlic and shallots until translucent. Add rice and stir for 2 minutes. Add wine and lemon zest and continue stirring until all the wine is absorbed. Begin stirring in the broth, one ladleful at a time, allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next. Meanwhile (after about the second ladleful of broth), place skillet over medium-high heat. Stir until garlic is light gold. Add zucchini and sauté 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
• When most of the broth is incorporated, taste rice; it should be creamy with a slightly firm center. Remove from heat and mix in cheese. Cover and allow to rest for 1 minute. Meanwhile, return zucchini mixture to medium heat. Add favas and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir just until mixture is warm, then remove from heat.
• Add half the basil to zucchini and mix gently. Stir remaining basil and lemon balm or lemon juice into risotto. Place a portion of each on plates and serve immediately.

BAKED RISOTTO WITH LEMON, ZUCCHINI & BASIL

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 350°F
• Heat the oil in an overproof dish with a lid and fry the onion and garlic for 5 minutes.
• Stir in the zucchini and rice, coating everything in oil and cook for a few more minutes.
• Add the stock, lemon juice and cheese, cover and bake for 30 minutes.
• Serve sprinkled with the lemon zest and basil.

ZUCCHINI RISOTTO

Steps:

• Bring vegetable or chicken stock to a boil in a medium stock pot, then reduce heat to a low simmer.
• Melt butter in a large, heavy bottomed stock pot over medium heat. Stir in onions and cook for 2 minutes, or until softened. Add the rice and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly toasted. Gradually ladle in simmering vegetable stock, stirring continuously. Risotto will become "creamy" and slightly sticky, yet still firm in the center, or al dente.
• When almost finished, stir in the zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, and thyme, adding stock as needed and stirring continuously. Stir in basil and 3 tablespoons cheese just before serving. Divide risotto among 6 bowls, sprinkle with remaining cheese, and season with pepper to taste.