Spinach and Artichoke Risotto is inspired by one of my favorite dips. This hearty risotto is rich and creamy and pairs beautifully with beef, chicken, and fish.
14ouncescanned artichoke hearts(drained and quartered (or chopped))
1teaspoonfresh thyme leaves
½cupgrated Parmesan cheese
½lemon(juiced)
Instructions
Add the vegetable broth to a saucepan and keep warm over low heat. In a large shallow pan over medium-low heat, cook the shallots in the butter. Season with ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper.
When the shallots are soft and translucent, add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Stir in the rice to coat with the butter. Cook for 2-3 minutes to toast the rice.
Add two ladles of broth to the rice. Cook, stirring occasionally until the liquid has been absorbed.
When the liquid has been absorbed, add another two ladles. Repeat this process until the rice is tender and creamy, stirring frequently, allowing the liquid to be absorbed before adding more. This process will take 20-25 minutes.
Meanwhile, thaw the creamed spinach in the microwave. When the rice has absorbed all of the liquid, add the spinach, artichoke hearts, and fresh thyme to the mixture. Stir to combine.
Remove the risotto from the heat and add the Parmesan cheese. Stir together.
Season to taste with the remaining salt and pepper and a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Notes
Be patient. Arborio rice needs 20-25 minutes to cook. If cooked too fast, the rice will not be creamy but al dente. If cooked too slow, the rice will be gummy.
Sauté onions, shallots, or leeks for a flavorful base before adding the rice. Garlic and herbs such as , rosemary, thyme, or tarragon can also be added for extra flavor.
Toast the rice in the pan before adding the liquid to lend a nutty flavor.
Use chicken or vegetable stock, not water, to impart more flavor. Some white wine can be used along with the stock. Replace ½ - 1 cup of stock with white wine.
Heat the stock before adding to the risotto. Adding cold liquid will slow down the cooking process.
Stir Parmesan cheese in at the end (off the heat). Cream cheese or mascarpone cheese can also be added at the end for extra richness.