Risotto with Pancetta, Artichoke Hearts and Roasted Red Pepper

Risotto is our "go to" dinner around here when pasta cravings kick in and/or I can't figure out what to make. It is one of those true 30 minute meals and fabulous for a week night because it gives you a lot of bang for your buck. With a maximum 10 minutes of prep time and exactly 20 minutes stirring the pot, one can relax and enjoy a glass of wine during the cooking process AND put an enviable dinner on the table at the same time.

 

Last night's version made good use of the rest of the package of pancetta from the night before along with some frozen artichoke hearts and a roasted red pepper. Minced onion, garlic and a touch of white wine joined the pot and the result was a creamy rich perfectly cooked and delicately flavored perfection. I have to admit that I did the 10 minutes of prep work but the big guy cooked the risotto. It's one of the first things I showed him how to make and he made many of pot of it during the year we were waiting for my immigration status to clear so I could move to the U.S. and we could get married. Quite honestly he's as good at making risotto as he is at grillin' and the BBQ. Download Risotto with Pancetta, Artichoke Hearts and Roasted Pepper

By the way if you're intimidated by the process of cooking risotto, don't be. The trick is to keep the rice moving in the pan, add hot stock slowly by the half cupful, keep stirring and wait for the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more. Usually twenty minutes from the second you add the first half cup of liquid is all the time it takes to cook a pot of risotto to a perfect, creamy, toothy bite. Best of all if you happen to have any leftovers, add a little more grated cheese to the cold risotto, form it into patties and fry in a little olive oil till brown and crispy on the outside. It's unbelievable!

Comments

[Nanan]

I love risotto - and I love how you and the big guy make it together - a love thing!!!

William has been hinting for one... maybe tonight... you are my inspiration you know!

[June]

Aw, ya' think? Unfortunately I don't let the big guy touch my new stove very often, but that'll wear off soon. LOL As for inspiration - that works both ways ya' know!

[Mags]

Aww...I also like how you two make risotto together. And it looks absolutely fabulous!

[June]

I'm a lucky lady aren't I? Thanks Mags - just had the last of it for lunch and it was purdy darn good.

[Healthy Foods Blog]

I have never tasted a food like this before. But this one looks delicious and elegant because the presentation is perfect. An excellent example of a great dish.

- Tera

[June]

Thank you Tera for visiting and for your comment. Hope you come back again soon!