As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, it's time to celebrate the arrival of spring with a dish that is both vibrant and flavorful: risotto with spring carrots and leeks. This classic Italian dish is transformed with the addition of fresh, springtime vegetables, creating a symphony of colors and textures that will delight your taste buds. The tender risotto, infused with the sweetness of carrots and the delicate flavor of leeks, is a perfect canvas for a variety of toppings, from savory bacon to crisp asparagus. Whether you're hosting a special dinner or simply looking for a weeknight meal that is both delicious and nutritious, this risotto is sure to become a new favorite.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
RISOTTO WITH SPRING CARROTS AND LEEKS
You can get carrots and leeks year 'round in the supermarket. In the spring, though, new carrots and leeks, fresh and sweet, come to farmers' markets, and they're perfect for this risotto.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories dinner, main course
Time 45m
Yield Serves four to six
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Pour your stock or broth into a saucepan, and bring it to a simmer over low heat with a ladle nearby or in the pot. Make sure that it is well seasoned.
- Heat the oil in a wide, heavy skillet or saucepan over medium heat, and add the carrots, leeks and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables begin to soften, about three minutes. Add the rice, thyme and garlic. Cook, stirring, until the grains of rice are separate and beginning to crackle.
- Add the wine, and stir over medium heat until it has almost evaporated. Begin adding the simmering stock, two ladlefuls (about 1/2 cup) at a time. The stock should just cover the rice and should be bubbling, not too slowly nor too quickly. Cook, stirring often, until the liquid is almost absorbed. Add another ladleful or two of the stock, and continue to cook in this fashion - adding more stock when the rice is almost dry, then stirring - for about 20 to 25 minutes. Taste a bit of the rice. It should be chewy but not hard in the middle. (If it is still hard in the middle, add more stock and cook for another five minutes or so.) Stir in the chopped fresh herbs, add pepper to taste, taste and adjust salt.
- When the rice is cooked al dente, remove the pan from the heat and stir in another ladleful of stock, the Parmesan and lemon juice. The rice should be creamy. Serve right away in wide soup bowls or on plates, spreading the risotto in a thin layer rather than lumping in a mound.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 415, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 62 grams, Fat 10 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 14 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 1071 milligrams, Sugar 9 grams
SPRING GREEN RISOTTO
Provided by Ina Garten
Categories main-dish
Time 47m
Yield 4 servings for dinner, 6 servings for appetizer
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the leeks and fennel and saute for 5 to 7 minutes, until tender. Add the rice and stir for a minute to coat with the vegetables, oil, and butter. Add the white wine and simmer over low heat, stirring constantly, until most of the wine has been absorbed. Add the chicken stock, 2 ladles at a time, stirring almost constantly and waiting for the stock to be absorbed before adding more. This process should take 25 to 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cut the asparagus diagonally in 1 1/2-inch lengths and discard the tough ends. Blanch in boiling salted water for 4 to 5 minutes, until al dente. Drain and cool immediately in ice water. (If using fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until the starchiness is gone.)
- When the risotto has been cooking for 15 minutes, drain the asparagus and add it to the risotto with the peas, lemon zest, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Continue cooking and adding stock, stirring almost constantly, until the rice is tender but still firm.
- Whisk the lemon juice and mascarpone together in a small bowl. When the risotto is done, turn off the heat and stir in the mascarpone mixture plus the Parmesan cheese and chives. Set aside, off the heat, for a few minutes, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and serve hot with a sprinkling of chives and more Parmesan cheese.
LEEK RISOTTO
Creamy italian rice dish that is served as a main course. This is a reduced fat version. I have reduced the amount of oil and cheese used, but you can also sprinkle parmesan over the top once it's served. We make this at least one a week. It's wonderful!
Provided by Lyndsay Knox
Categories Short Grain Rice
Time 35m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Pour the stock or broth into a saucepan and bring to a simmer.
- Keep liquid hot.
- In a large, heavy saucepan over low heat, heat oil.
- Add the leeks and saute about 5 minutes.
- Add the rice and stir until white spots appear in the center of the grains, about 1 minute.
- (It is very important to use Arborio rice!) Add the wine and stir until absorbed, about 2 minutes.
- Add one ladleful of the hot stock or broth, adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid is absorbed, about 2 minutes.
- Continue adding the stock or broth, one ladleful at a time and stirring constantly, until the rice is just tender but slightly firm in the center and the mixture is creamy, 20-25 minutes longer.
- Add the cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir to mix well.
- Serve at once.
- Makes 8 cups.
RISOTTO WITH LEMON AND SPRING VEGETABLES
This dish has the fresh flavors of spring and looks so colorful. It can be made into a vegetarian meal by using vegetable broth and leaving out the ham. Since it's so versatile, you can really use whatever vegetables are in season or what your family prefers. -Mary Lou Timpson, Centennial Park, Arizona
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h10m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425°. Place asparagus on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast until crisp-tender, 10-12 minutes. When cool enough to handle, cut into 1-in. pieces; set aside., In a large saucepan, bring stock to a simmer; keep hot. In a Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add spinach and salt; cook and stir until tender. Remove spinach and keep warm. In the same pan, heat 2 tablespoons butter. Add leek; cook and stir until tender, 2-3 minutes. Add rice, garlic and remaining 2 tablespoons butter; cook and stir until rice is coated, 1-2 minutes., Stir in wine and lemon juice. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer; cook and stir until wine is absorbed. Add hot stock, 1/2 cup at a time, cooking and stirring until stock has been absorbed after each addition, until rice is tender but firm to the bite, and risotto is creamy. Stir in ham, zest, asparagus and spinach; heat through. Remove from heat; stir in cheese. Serve immediately, with additional cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 410 calories, Fat 17g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 52mg cholesterol, Sodium 1442mg sodium, Carbohydrate 49g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 17g protein.
BRAISED SPRING CARROTS AND LEEKS WITH TARRAGON
Serve this sweet springtime dish as a starter or side dish, or as part of a vegetarian main dish with grains.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories easy, quick, weekday, side dish
Time 30m
Yield Serves four
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan or lidded skillet over medium heat. Add the leeks and a generous pinch of salt. Cook gently until just about tender, about three minutes. Do not allow the leeks to color. Add the garlic, and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds to a minute. Add the carrots, water and salt to taste, and bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer 10 to 15 minutes until the carrots are tender when pierced with a knife. Stir in the lemon juice and tarragon. Taste and adjust salt. Transfer to a platter if desired, making sure to scrape out the tasty residue from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon or spatula. Serve hot, or allow to cool and serve at room temperature. If serving at room temperature, sprinkle with additional fresh tarragon just before serving.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 179, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 28 grams, Fat 7 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 622 milligrams, Sugar 10 grams
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the risotto will be. Look for fresh, spring carrots and leeks, and use a good-quality broth.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking the risotto, don't overcrowd the pan. This will prevent the rice from cooking evenly.
- Stir the risotto frequently: Stirring the risotto frequently will help to prevent it from sticking to the pan and will also help to release the starch from the rice, which will make the risotto creamy.
- Add the liquid gradually: Add the broth to the risotto gradually, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more. This will help to prevent the risotto from becoming too soupy.
- Cook the risotto until it is al dente: The risotto is cooked when it is al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. It should not be too soft or mushy.
- Season the risotto to taste: Once the risotto is cooked, season it to taste with salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Conclusion:
Risotto with spring carrots and leeks is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a spring meal. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its creamy texture and fresh, spring vegetables, this risotto is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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