Risotto Con Zucca Food

ZUCCHINI RISOTTO

Steps:

• Bring vegetable or chicken stock to a boil in a medium stock pot, then reduce heat to a low simmer.
• Melt butter in a large, heavy bottomed stock pot over medium heat. Stir in onions and cook for 2 minutes, or until softened. Add the rice and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly toasted. Gradually ladle in simmering vegetable stock, stirring continuously. Risotto will become "creamy" and slightly sticky, yet still firm in the center, or al dente.
• When almost finished, stir in the zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, and thyme, adding stock as needed and stirring continuously. Stir in basil and 3 tablespoons cheese just before serving. Divide risotto among 6 bowls, sprinkle with remaining cheese, and season with pepper to taste.

PUMPKIN RISOTTO CON LA ZUCCA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the pumpkin; boil until soft, 15-20 minutes. Drain the pumpkin and purée until smooth in a blender or food processor.
• Put 2 tablespoons butter or oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the onions and cook until they soften, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, nutmeg and herbs, and continue cooking another minute or so; do not brown.
• Add 2 tablespoons butter or oil; raise the heat to medium-high and add the rice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it is glossy and coated, 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; stir in the wine and let most of it bubble away.
• Begin adding the pumpkin purée and stock alternately, 1/2 cup or so at a time, stirring after each addition. When the liquid is just about evaporated, add more; the consistency should not be soupy or dry. Stir frequently.
• Taste the rice about 20 minutes after you add it. You want it to be tender but still have some crunch; this can take up to 30 minutes. When the rice is done, turn off the heat and stir in the remaining butter or oil and Parmesan; taste and adjust the seasoning. Heat a dry skillet and add the nuts; toast until fragrant. Sprinkle the risotto with toasted nuts and more freshly grated Parmesan; serve.

RISOTTO CON FUNGHI

Steps:

• In a small bowl, place the dry porcini mushrooms and two cups of hot water until the mushrooms are tender, about 1/2 hour. Remove the mushrooms from the water and dice. Pass the mushroom water through a fine sieve and reserve.
• In a saute pan over medium high heat, add the garlic, olive oil, and 1 ounce of butter. When the garlic begins to saute, add the shiitake and porcini mushrooms. Cook for three minutes, add the white wine and continue to saute until the wine is almost completely evaporated.
• Follow the basic risotto recipe, and when beginning to add the vegetable stock to the risotto, add the Sauteed mushrooms, and the mushroom water stirring continuously with a wooden spoon. When the risotto is cooked al dente, add the butter, chopped Italian parsley and Parmesan cheese, continue stirring until a creamy consistency appears. Serve on a platter or in individual bowls.

ORZOTTO CON ZUCCA (BARLEY & PUMPKIN RISOTTO)

Steps:

• Bring the stock to the boil in a large pan, add the barley and simmer until done, about 40 minutes. If you want you can add some chopped mushrooms to this for the last 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave, boil or roast the pumpkin until soft. I usually roast mine with a few sprigs of thyme for extra flavour.
• Put the cooked pumpkin together with the butter into a blender and process to a puree.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Add the puree to the barley and season again with salt and pepper.
• Just before serving mix the parmesan into the 'risotto'.
• Serve hot with fresh crusty bread.