Monday, June 29, 2009

Summer Vegetable Risotto


Remember those flowers? Now I am reaping the much awaited fruits, and it is going to be fun from now on.


This is my very first crop and I turned it into an early summer risotto that was light and delicious. The vegetables included, zucchini, string beans, and peas, with the addition of zucchini flowers. I used the trick of boiling the pea pods in the water to flavor it, that's how the traditional Venetian dish Risi e Bisi is made. If you want a heartier risotto you can use either a vegetable or a chicken broth.

Summer Vegetable Risotto


1 large shallot, finely chopped
2 cups mixed vegetables, diced
2 quarts boiling water
1 cup arborio rice
EEVO
1.5 oz butter
Grated parmesan to taste
Zucchini flowers, roughly cut
Salt and pepper
1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Cook the shallot in the olive oil until translucent. Add the diced vegetables and cook for few minutes. Add the rice and stir until it becomes translucent and has absorbed any liquid in the pan. Add a ladle of the boiling broth at a time, only when most of the previous liquid has been absorbed, stirring often. Cook for 20-25 minutes until al dente, add the zucchini flowers, parsley, cheese and butter and let rest for 2 minutes. Serve immediately, piping hot.

Buon Appetito!

7 comments:

Juliana said...

Your risotto looks so colorful and tasty...with the veggies in it, indeed, great for summer, yummie!

Anonymous said...

I love it. It looks so colorful and pretty.

Dewi said...

Perfect risotto with the use of seasonal vegetables. I love that idea laura!

lisaiscooking said...

Beautiful zucchini flowers! I haven't found any at the farmers' market this year, but maybe I'll get lucky tomorrow. Your risotto looks fantastic.

Lien said...

that looks so good,summer on a plate.

Laura said...

Thanks every one!

I love risotto, it is the ultimate comfort food, and with lots of vegetables, very healthy indeed.

Lisa, squash blossoms should start showing up at markets soon. Can't wait to see what you make with them.

Oggi said...

I love your risotto recipe. I planted a couple of squash plants mainly for their blossoms. I grew up eating them just steamed and served with a squirt of lemon juice and sea salt. I'll make this recipe with my next "harvest".:)

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