Recipe: Fresh Tomato Risotto (with basil and mozzarella)

FRESH TOMATO RISOTTO

2 cups chopped plum tomatoes
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided use
1 teaspoon salt
2 garlic cloves, minced
8 cups (or less) chicken broth
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups Arborio rice, uncooked
1/2 cup dry white wine
2/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Combine the tomatoes, basil, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt and garlic in a bowl and mix well. Set aside.

Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan. Remove from the heat and cover to keep warm.

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and saute for 3 minutes or until tender and translucent.

Add the rice to the saucepan and cook for 1 minute or until a white dot is visible in the center of each grain, stirring constantly. Stir in the wine and cook for 1 minute or until almost absorbed, stirring constantly. Add 1 cup warm chicken broth and cook until the broth is absorbed, stirring constantly.

Add 6 cups broth 1 cup at a time, cooking until the broth is absorbed before adding more and stirring constantly. When 6 cups of broth have been added, add the broth 1/2 cup at a time and test the rice. Rice should be tender but still firm when done. You may not need all 8 cups of broth. The total cooking time should be about 30 minutes.

When the rice tests done, stir in the tomato mixture and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the mozzarella cheese and pepper. Top each serving with Parmesan cheese.

Makes 6 servings
Source: Las Vegas Glitter to Gourmet by Junior League of Las Vegas