Risotto With Spring Vegetables And Ham Recipes

RISOTTO WITH PEAS AND HAM

Steps:

• Heat the broth and garlic in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming; keep warm. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the leek and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the rice; cook, stirring, until toasted, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the wine and cook, scraping up any browned bits, until absorbed, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Add 3 cups hot broth to the rice; cook, stirring constantly, until mostly absorbed, 8 to 10 minutes. Add 3 more cups hot broth; continue cooking, stirring, until the risotto is tender and thickened, 12 to 14 minutes.
• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the peas, ham, cheese and the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Stir in more hot broth if the risotto is too thick; season with salt and pepper. Top each serving with mint, more cheese and the lemon zest.

SPRING GREEN RISOTTO

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the leeks and fennel and saute for 5 to 7 minutes, until tender. Add the rice and stir for a minute to coat with the vegetables, oil, and butter. Add the white wine and simmer over low heat, stirring constantly, until most of the wine has been absorbed. Add the chicken stock, 2 ladles at a time, stirring almost constantly and waiting for the stock to be absorbed before adding more. This process should take 25 to 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cut the asparagus diagonally in 1 1/2-inch lengths and discard the tough ends. Blanch in boiling salted water for 4 to 5 minutes, until al dente. Drain and cool immediately in ice water. (If using fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until the starchiness is gone.)
• When the risotto has been cooking for 15 minutes, drain the asparagus and add it to the risotto with the peas, lemon zest, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Continue cooking and adding stock, stirring almost constantly, until the rice is tender but still firm.
• Whisk the lemon juice and mascarpone together in a small bowl. When the risotto is done, turn off the heat and stir in the mascarpone mixture plus the Parmesan cheese and chives. Set aside, off the heat, for a few minutes, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and serve hot with a sprinkling of chives and more Parmesan cheese.