Parmesan Risotto

Going back over dishes that I haven’t made in forever, and making sure I still love them. This is one of those dishes.

Everyone seems to think that risotto is hard, and it can be, as you have to constantly stir and tend to it. But if you are willing to do that, this dish is wonderful. Start by adding Arborio Rice to a dry skillet to toast for about two to three minutes or until the rice is warm.Add in sauteed onion or shallot (about a 1/4 cup) that is just cooked just to translucent, not browned. Add about one teaspoon of olive oil as well and continue to toast for about 5 more minutes or until the rice whitens.Then add one cup of good white wine (whatever wine you would actually drink). Simmer until absorbed, stirring constantly. Add about one teaspoon of fresh thyme, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer two cups of chicken stock in a separate pot, and add to the rice mixture one ladle at a time, stirring, until the liquid is absorbed each time. This will take about 20-25 minutes over a slow simmer. Again this takes time so don’t rush the rice. Be gentle in stirring, and let the rice absorb the liquid. Once the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed, add about one cup of parmesan cheese. Gently fold into the rice.Serve warm, and add a bit of cheese on top if you wish.Succulent, creamy, rich and full of flavor. The rice had a nice bite or chew and the cheese added a super creamy flavor. It is time consuming, and make sure that you have everything in place before you start cooking as it can get complicated. I served this with the baked salmon as it was good compliment to the fish but will hold up on it’s own.