I just got back from Italy. Jet lag does not leave me alone and I woke up stupidly early in the morning. Well, let's look at it in this way: at least now I have time to enjoy my books (I just finished two fictional readings that are really worth it, but I will post about this later) and, most of all, I can enjoy my cooking! It's been a while since I have been busy in the kitchen, too much studying and traveling, so time to go back to it now.
Those who know me are aware about how much I love baking, at the moment though I am not into it as such. It is summer, it is hot and this temperature shall stick with us for a while, so why not not concentrate on yummy, fruity and, OF COURSE, vegetarian dishes? As I mentioned, I just got back from Italy.
So here's something my friend and former colleague suggested me a while ago: Orange Risotto.
Here's how to make it.
Ok people, first of all- Ingredients:
1 Orange
1 Lt of vegetable broth
50g of butter
1 Onion
2-3 Tbs of chives
30g of grated parmesan cheese
White pepper (as long as you like it. Usually I am quite generous in my doses, but it's up to you). 350g of rice (the arborio type,the one for risotto, yes)
A pinch or two of salt
A glass of white wine (dry is better, chardonnay kinda thing)
Wash the orange well and peel the skin with a potato peeler, but be careful not to get the white part off as it is bitter as poison.
Dry the orange before you start peeling it, or it'll go nasty on your fingers (it did on mine, ouch!)
Squeeze the orange, and keep the juice on the side for now. Cut the zest into tiny little stripes, and let them soak in boiling water before draining. Let the little stripes dry and keep them on the side for now. Chop an onion and let it stirfry in a large pan together with the butter.
Add the rice, and let it toast for few minutes. Add the wine, stir the whole thing, and then add the orange juice. Stir, stir and stir. After that add the broth, time to time. Keep adding the broth until the rice is cooked, and keep stirring. It is important as that is how the rice doesn't get sticky and mantain a nice consistancy.
Add the zest, the parmesan cheese, the pepper and the chives. Serve and enjoy it :)
Please do let me know your feedback if you decide to try this recipe. It is easy, perfect to impress someone ;) and vegetarian.
