Best Tuscan Risotto Recipes

TUSCAN CACCIATORE RISOTTO (RACHAEL RAY)

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, bring the wine (or chicken broth) and broth to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and keep warm.
• In a large, deep skillet, heat 1 tablespoon EVOO, over medium-high heat.
• Add the pancetta (we used bacon) and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 7 to 8 minutes.
• Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pancetta to a paper-towelled plate; set aside.
• Add the remaining 2 tablespoons EVOO, the mushrooms, onion, garlic and crushed red pepper to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes.
• Stir in the rice until coated with the oil and slightly toasted, about 2 minutes.
• Stir in the rosemary and tomato paste, season with salt and pepper and cook for one minute.
• Reduce the heat to medium and stir a ladle or two of the warm broth mixture into the risotto every few minutes until absorbed.
• After about 7 minutes, stir in the chicken along with some broth.
• Continue to add the broth gradually, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to make a creamy consistency, until the rice is al dente, about 22 minutes.
• Stir in the cheese and green peas and adjust the seasonings.
• Serve the risotto in shallow bowls topped with the reserved pancetta(bacon) bits.
• Pass more cheese around the table.
• Enjoy with some Chianti and some nice and crusty warm bread!

RISOTTO WITH TUSCAN KALE AND TOASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS

Steps:

• Bring broth and water to a boil with 3/4 teaspoon sea salt in a 3- to 4-quart saucepan. Meanwhile, cut stems and center ribs from kale and discard. Stir kale into broth in batches and simmer (all of kale), stirring occasionally, until tender, 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer kale with tongs to a large sieve set over a bowl and gently press on greens to extract more liquid. Add liquid in bowl to simmering broth and keep at a bare simmer, covered. Chop kale.
• Cook onion in oil and 1 tablespoon butter with remaining 1/4 teaspoon sea salt in a wide 4-quart heavy pot, covered, over low heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Increase heat to moderate, then add garlic and cook, uncovered, stirring, 1 minute. Add rice and cook, stirring, 1 minute.
• Add wine and simmer briskly, stirring constantly, until absorbed. Stir in 1/2 cup simmering broth and simmer briskly, stirring constantly, until broth is absorbed. Continue simmering and adding broth, about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly and letting each addition be absorbed before adding next, until rice is creamy-looking but still al dente (it should be the consistency of thick soup), 17 to 18 minutes. (There will be leftover broth.)
• Stir in kale, cheese, and remaining tablespoon butter and cook, stirring, until heated through and butter is incorporated, about 1 minute. Season risotto with sea salt and pepper and, if desired, thin with some of remaining broth. Serve sprinkled with toasted pumpkin seeds.

TUSCAN RISOTTO

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a 4-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Stir the rice in the saucepan. Add 1/2 cup broth and cook and stir until it's absorbed. Add the remaining broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring until the broth is absorbed before adding more. Stir in the cheese before serving.