Cindy Lynns Tomato Chicken Risotto Food

CREAMY TOMATO RISOTTO

Steps:

• Tip the chopped tomatoes and half the stock into a food processor and pulse until smooth. Pour into a saucepan with the remaining stock, bring to a gentle simmer and keep over a low heat.
• Meanwhile, place the butter and oil in the base of a large saucepan and heat gently until the butter has melted. Add the onion and gently cook for 6-8 mins until softened. Stir in the garlic and rosemary, then cook for 1 min more. Add the rice and cook, stirring, for 1 min.
• Start adding the hot stock and tomato mixture about a quarter at a time. Let the risotto cook, stirring often, adding more stock as it is absorbed. After you have added half the stock, add the cherry tomatoes. After 20-25 mins, the rice should be creamy and tender, the cherry tomatoes softened and all of the stock should be used up.
• Cover and leave for 1 min, then stir in the basil. Serve sprinkled with Parmesan and a good grinding of black pepper.

TOMATO-CHICKEN RISOTTO

Steps:

• Blend cream cheese and half the tomatoes in blender until smooth; set aside. Heat 1/4 cup dressing in large skillet on medium heat. Add chicken; cook 6 min. or until done, stirring occasionally. Remove from skillet; cover to keep warm.
• Cook carrots, onions and rice in remaining dressing in same skillet 3 min. or until rice is opaque, stirring frequently. Add peppers; stir. Gradually add 1-1/2 cups hot water; cook 5 min. or until water is completely absorbed, stirring occasionally. Repeat with remaining water, adding in batches and returning chicken to skillet with the last batch of water.
• Stir in cream cheese mixture and remaining tomatoes; cook 3 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Remove and discard pepper halves. Stir in cilantro.

ROAST CHICKEN BREASTS WITH 'RISOTTO'

Steps:

• To make the chicken, preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the fennel seeds and cook, stirring constantly until toasted, about 30 seconds. Let cool and grind in a spice grinder. Place in a small bowl and stir in the pepper, coriander and salt. Set aside 1 teaspoon of the mixture.
• Season the chicken on both sides with the remaining spice mixture. Melt the butter in a large ovenproof skillet, add the chicken and roast until the chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes per side.
• Meanwhile, to make the risotto, heat the olive oil in a medium-size saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until lightly browned. Add the potatoes, thyme and wine. Lower the heat to medium and cook, stirring constantly, until the wine has been absorbed, about 7 minutes.
• Add the squash and 3/4 cup of the chicken broth and cook, stirring, until the broth is absorbed, adding up to 3/4 cup more as needed until the vegetables are tender. This will take about 30 minutes altogether. Stir in the spinach leaves and Parmesan. Remove from heat and season with salt.
• Remove the chicken from the pan and pour off the excess butter. Add the 1/2 cup chicken broth and place over medium heat. Cook until reduced to 2 tablespoons, about 4 minutes. Stir into the risotto.
• Dust the rim of a small platter with the reserved spice mixture and arrange the chicken on the platter. Place the risotto in a bowl and serve.