Leek-and-Mascarpone Cheese Risotto |
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Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 0 Minutes Servings: 8 |
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Leeks, golden saffron, a touch of lemon, and a few of the first basil leaves of spring make this a cheerful risotto. Mascarpone (mas-kar-POHN) is a buttery Italian triple-cream cheese found in many supermarkets and gourmet food shops. Regular cream cheese makes an acceptable, though not as rich, substitute. Ingredients:
8 cups water |
6 cups chopped leek (about 6 large), divided |
2 cups chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, divided |
1 cup chopped fresh basil, divided |
1/2 teaspoon salt |
6 thyme sprigs |
2 carrots, cut into 1-inch-thick pieces |
2 garlic cloves, crushed |
1 large onion, cut into 1-inch pieces |
1 celery stalk, cut into 1-inch pieces |
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads |
2 tablespoons butter |
2 cups uncooked arborio rice or other short-grain rice |
1/2 cup dry white wine |
1/3 cup (3 ounces) mascarpone cheese |
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind |
1 teaspoon salt |
1/2 teaspoon black pepper |
1/3 cup (1 1/2 ounces) grated fresh parmesan cheese |
Directions:
1. Combine water, 2 cups chopped leek, 1 cup parsley, 1/2 cup basil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and next 5 ingredients (salt through celery) in a large Dutch oven. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 35 minutes. Strain broth through a sieve into a large bowl; discard solids. Reserve 5 1/2 cups broth; reserve remaining broth for another use.
2. Bring 5 1/2 cups broth and saffron to a simmer in a small saucepan (do not boil). Keep warm over low heat. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 4 cups chopped leek; sauté 5 minutes. Add rice; cook 2 minutes. Add wine; cook 1 minute or until the liquid is nearly absorbed. Stir in 2 cups broth; cook 5 minutes or until the liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Add remaining broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until each portion of broth is absorbed before adding the next (about 15 minutes total). Add 1 cup parsley, 1/2 cup basil, mascarpone, lemon rind, salt, and pepper; cook 1 minute or until mascarpone melts. Sprinkle with Parmesan.
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