Rarebit Risotto

damienducks's Note:

I've adapted this recipe from the Moosewood Simple Suppers cookbook, and it always gets rave reviews! Beer and cheddar may not sound like ideal risotto ingredients, but I guarantee it'll be love at first bite! I often substitute mushroom stock for the vegetable broth, which gives this dish a warm earthy flavor.

• Total Time: 50 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
• 12 ounces beer (I prefer a lager or ale)
• 3 cups chopped broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups chopped roma tomatoes
• salt and pepper

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a gentle simmer.
2. In a medium dutch oven (or large sauce pan), heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add rice and stir till well coated and golden. Add beer and stir till rice has absorbed all the liquid.
3. Ladle in a cup or so of the stock and continue stirring till liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Repeat till all broth has been absorbed (stirring constantly).
4. While risotto is cooking, steam broccoli until bright green and just tender (I just pop it in a bowl, sprinkle with water, and microwave for a minute or so).
5. When the last of the broth is absorbed, add mustard and cheese and stir till cheese is melted and well combined with risotto. Stir in broccoli and tomatoes and sever immediately. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Reviews

[Columbus Foodie]

Great risotto - it doesn't sound good on paper but somehow it really works well in the final product. I substituted cauliflower for the broccoli (it was what I had on hand), -and used the mushroom broth instead of vegetable, and it was fantastic. Just the right amount of creaminess and bite, and a great recipe for people who are making risotto for the first time.

[recipemonkey]

I was slightly skeptical at first, but this really is good. I've made it twice now, substituting mushroom broth for the vegetable broth (per Damien's suggestion). Very tasty.