Spinach Basil Risotto Cake With Star Anise Carrot Syrup Recipes

RISOTTO CAKES WITH MIXED GREENS

Steps:

• Cook's Note: Click here to get the recipe for Fontina Risotto with Chicken.
• Stir the chives into the chilled risotto. Form into 8 patties, using about 1/4 cup risotto for each. Press a hole in the center of each patty and stuff with a cube of fontina; pat risotto around each hole to cover.
• Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. Lightly dredge each risotto cake in the crumbs, turning to coat evenly. Place on a plate, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
• Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the cakes, 2 or 3 at a time, until evenly browned, about 1 1/2 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain; season with salt and pepper.
• Combine the greens and fennel in a bowl; drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and the lemon juice, season with salt and pepper and toss. Divide the risotto cakes and salad among 4 plates.
• Bring the broth and 4 cups water to a simmer in a saucepan; keep warm.
• Meanwhile, melt 4 tablespoons butter in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion; cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the rice and thyme; cook, stirring, until the rice is glossy, about 1 minute. Add the wine and cook, stirring, until the liquid is absorbed. Add 1 teaspoon Kosher salt. Ladle in the hot broth, about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly, allowing all of the liquid to be absorbed before adding more. Continue until the rice is just tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
• Remove the thyme. Stir in the parmigiano, the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir in the fontina and chicken. Reserve about 2 cups risotto for Risotto Cakes. Divide the rest among bowls; top with parsley and more fontina.

ZIA ORSOLA'S SPINACH RISOTTO

Steps:

• In a pot, bring salted water to a boil, and add the Arborio rice. Stir constantly for the first minute to prevent the rice from sticking to the pot. In a separate pot, add the spinach along with 1/4 cup of water, and cook for a few minutes. Once the spinach has softened, remove it from the heat, and puree using a food processor. Cook the rice for approximately 12 minutes, or before the rice gets to the al dente stage. Pour most of the water out of the pot, leaving 1/4 of the water behind with the rice. Add the pureed spinach to the rice, and cook a few minutes more on low heat. Add the soft ricotta, grated cheese and butter into the rice, and stir until it is uniform and creamy. Salt to taste. Transfer the rice to a warm plate and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil. Serve immediately.

B.'S RECIPE FOR BASIL RISOTTO

Steps:

• In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or skillet, heat the butter. Add the onions and garlic. Saute over medium heat until pale yellow. With a wooden spoon, stir in the rice and cook until the rice is coated with butter, stir in 1/2 cup of wine. Cook, stirring constantly until wine has evaporated. Add 1/2 cup of stock, stirring to prevent sticking. Keep adding stock, 1 cup at a time, continuing to simmer and stir until absorbed. Cook until the rice is creamy and slightly chewy, about 20 minutes. Stir in basil and Parmesan cheese. Taste and add salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste. Serve immediately in heated bowls.;

SPINACH RISOTTO WITH TALEGGIO

Steps:

• Cut the rind off the taleggio and discard. Dice the cheese into 1/2-inch pieces. Set aside at room temperature as you prepare the rice.
• Line a colander with a clean dish towel and place spinach inside. Heat about 8 cups of water until boiling, then pour over spinach; the spinach will wilt. Let spinach sit until cool enough to handle, then use the dish towel to squeeze out the water. Transfer spinach to a food processor and blend with 1 tablespoon butter until smooth. (You'll end up with about 1 cup of purée.) Reserve.
• Melt remaining 5 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion, celery and garlic; cook until translucent, about 7 minutes. Stir in rice and 1 teaspoon salt, and cook until toasted and golden, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in wine and cook until it's absorbed, about 3 minutes. Stir in stock, about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring often but not necessarily continuously, until the stock is finished and the rice is cooked through but not mushy, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Stir in spinach purée, then taste and add more salt, if needed. Add taleggio and stir to melt. Serve immediately.