Shallot Broth Food

THE BEST RISOTTO

Steps:

• Warm the chicken stock in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, cover and keep warm while you make the risotto.
• Heat the olive oil in another medium saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the shallot, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and about 10 grinds of black pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the bay leaves and 3 tablespoons butter, stirring until the butter has melted, about 1 minute.
• Add the rice and toast, stirring only once, until it smells nutty and starts to turn light golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes.
• Pour in the wine and simmer, stirring occasionally, until it has evaporated completely, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Ladle one cup of the warm stock into the rice and cook, stirring gently without stopping, until the rice has absorbed the liquid, 2 to 3 minutes (you will know it's time to add more stock when you move the rice aside and no liquid pools in the center).
• Repeat this process, adding more stock a ladleful at a time, until the rice is al dente, 17 to 19 minutes. Discard the bay leaves. (You may have a little stock left over. If so, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.) If you prefer your risotto on the saucier side, add more stock 1/4 cup at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
• Stir in the Parmesan, the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon salt and a few more grinds of black pepper and serve with more Parmesan, if desired.

SHALLOT BROTH

Steps:

• In a pan large enough to hold the shallots in a shallow layer, heat the olive oil and butter over med high heat until sizzling. Add the shallots with a pinch of pepper and salt.
• Saute for 10 to 15 minutes until very brown and carmelized. Add just enough water to cover. Stir well and scrape any bits clinging to the pan. Transfer to smaller pot.
• The water again should just cover the shallots. Add more if needed.
• Boil over med high heat for 15 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh strainer.

CHICKEN BROTH

Steps:

• To a large pot add the chicken, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, peppercorns and water to cover, about 14 cups. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Skim the top of the broth of any impurities rise to the surface. Adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Simmer the broth, uncovered, for 1 hour, skimming as needed.
• Remove the chicken to a plate. Continue to simmer the broth. Use tongs to handle and shred the meat of the chicken and set aside for another use. Return the bones and skin to the broth and continue to simmer for an additional hour.
• Remove from the heat and strain the broth. Discard the bones and vegetables and allow the broth to cool. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

SALMON IN LEMON BRODETTO WITH PEA PUREE

Steps:

• To make the Lemon Brodetto, warm the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallots and saute until tender, about 7 minutes. Add the lemon juice, zest, and broth. Bring to a simmer, and keep warm, covered, over low heat.
• To make the Pea Puree, combine the peas, mint, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor and puree. With the machine running, add the olive oil in a steady drizzle. Transfer the pea puree to a small bowl and stir in the Parmesan. Set aside.
• To make the Salmon, warm the olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over high heat. Season the salmon pieces with salt and pepper. Sear the salmon until a golden crust forms, about 4 to 5 minutes on the first side. Flip the fish and continue cooking until medium-rare, about 2 minutes more depending on the thickness of the fish.
• To assemble the dish, add the tablespoon chopped mint to the Lemon Brodetto and divide between 4 shallow dishes. Place a large spoonful of Pea Puree into the center of each bowl. Place a salmon piece atop each mound of Pea Puree. Serve immediately.