Cheddar Risotto

Risotto is an easy, cheap meal for family and friends. Enjoy this vegetarian version made with sharp Cheddar cheese. Be sure to grate the Cheddar very finely, so that it melts quickly and easily into the risotto. Serve the risotto with a bowl of finely grated Cheddar - so each person can sprinkle extra on top of their portion.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 12  ounces carnaroli rice or 12  ounces arborio rice
• 1  onion, chopped
• 1  large leek, thinly sliced
• 1  red pepper, deseeded and chopped
• 1  cup dry white wine
• 2  vegetable bouillon cubes, dissolved in 3 3/4 cups hot water
• 8  ounces mushrooms, wiped and sliced
• 3  ounces  frozen petits pois or 3  ounces  garden peas, thawed
• 4  ounces sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper
•  basil leaves, to garnish

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a very large frying pan. Add the rice and sauté it gently for about 3 - 4 minutes, until it looks glossy.
2. Add the onion, leek and pepper and cook gently, stirring often, for a few more minutes.
3. Add the wine to the frying pan and allow it to bubble up, then cook gently until it has been absorbed, stirring frequently.
4. Ladle about one quarter of the stock into the rice, stir, then let the rice simmer gently until the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Add the mushrooms to the risotto with another ladleful of stock. Cook gently, adding more stock as needed until the rice is tender, it will take about 20 - 25 minutes to cook in total.
6. Stir in the peas and Cheddar cheese, season to taste with salt and pepper, stir well and serve, garnished with basil.