LEEK RISOTTO WITH SUGAR SNAP PEAS AND PANCETTA

Leek Risotto With Sugar Snap Peas and Pancetta image

Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to stir risotto constantly, but achieving a creamy risotto with slightly toothsome grains does require some attention. During the cooking process, the rice should always be lightly coated in liquid and bubbling energetically, and the liquid needs to be added gradually: Add just before the rice threatens to stick to the bottom of the pan. For the creamiest results, stir more frequently and more vigorously during the second half of the cooking, when the grains begin to release their starch.

Provided by Susan Spungen

Categories dinner, grains and rice, main course

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
3 ounces thinly sliced pancetta or bacon
1 quart chicken stock
3 large leeks, white parts only, split lengthwise, sliced 1/4-inch thick and thoroughly washed (about 3 cups)
2 garlic cloves, smashed
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 1/2 cups arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 ounces grated Pecorino (about 3/4 cup), plus more for topping
8 ounces sugar snap peas, strings removed, snap peas halved lengthwise
1/2 cup snipped chives (optional)

Steps:

Add 1/2 tablespoon oil to a large, wide saucepan, and add the pancetta slices. (It's OK if they're not in one layer, as they will shrink quite a bit.) Turn heat to medium and cook, turning and rearranging the pancetta until lightly browned, crisp, and the fat has rendered, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer with tongs to a paper towel, leaving the fat in the pan.
Add the stock and 1 cup water to a separate medium saucepan. Transfer the saucepan to a back burner and bring to a simmer over low. Keep warm on the lowest heat.
Add 1 tablespoon oil to the pan that you cooked the pancetta in, and add the leeks, garlic and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring, over medium-high until wilted and soft, about 5 minutes.
Add the rice and cook, stirring, until grains look slightly translucent, 2 to 3 minutes. Add wine and cook until nearly absorbed, about 1 minute.
Add a ladleful of stock to the rice - you want just enough to barely cover the surface of the rice. Cook at a lively simmer, stirring very frequently, until it's nearly absorbed, 2 to 3 minutes. Continue adding stock in this way until rice is very creamy, but still al dente, 15 to 20 minutes total. You may not need all of the liquid, but you will probably use most of it.
Stir in the butter and cheese, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in the snap peas. Add more of the remaining liquid if needed to loosen (it should be a bit soupy), and divide among four shallow bowls. Crumble the reserved pancetta over top, and sprinkle with chives, if desired.