MILANESE RISOTTO WITH BACON, LEEKS AND TOMATOES AND EGGS

Milanese Risotto with Bacon, Leeks and Tomatoes and Eggs image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 cups chicken stock
A big pinch of saffron
2 medium leeks
2 tablespoons EVOO
1/3 pound pancetta or thick-cut slab bacon, diced
2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
3 tablespoons butter
4 large eggs
3/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1/2 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
Finely chopped parsley and sliced or torn basil, for garnish

Steps:

Bring the chicken stock, 1 cup water and the saffron to a boil in a saucepan, then reduce the heat to a low simmer.
Trim off the roots and the dark green parts of the leeks. Cut the leeks in half lengthwise down the center, then very thinly slice them crosswise. Rinse the leeks in several changes of cold water, then drain and pat dry in a kitchen towel.
Heat the EVOO in a pot with a rounded bottom over medium-high heat. Add the pancetta or bacon and cook until some of the fat has rendered, about 5 minutes. Add the leeks and stir until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the garlic and season with salt and pepper, then cook, stirring, about 1 more minute. Add the rice and stir. Add the wine and cook, stirring, until the liquid has been absorbed. Begin adding the hot chicken stock, a few ladles at a time, stirring constantly and cooking until the liquid has been absorbed before adding more. Continue adding stock and cooking until the rice is al dente, about 18 minutes total.
When the risotto is about done, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat, then cook the eggs over easy or sunny-side up.
Cut the remaining 2 tablespoons butter into small pieces and add it to the risotto, stirring until melted. Stir in the cheese and the tomatoes, then remove from the heat.
Serve the risotto in shallow bowls and top with the fried eggs. Garnish with parsley and basil.