Recipe

April 20, 2017

Creamy Spring Risotto With Fresh Pesto, Asparagus And Ricotta

Recipe:

Print This

Presented by

T-Fal

Traditional risotto cooked on the stovetop requires constant hand-stirring and monitoring. But using the ActiFry, you can prepare it while attending to other things.

Ingredients

Pesto Garnish

  • 2 ActiFry spoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 ActiFry spoon pine nuts
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped basil

 

Risotto

  • 6 cups water
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 4 scallions, finely sliced
  • 1½ cups arborio or carnaroli rice*
  • 1 bunch asparagus cut into 1″ pieces
  • ⅓ cup finely grated pecorino cheese (or to taste)
  • ⅓ cup ricotta cheese
  • *Arborio rice will work well, however it is worth seeking out Carnaroli rice as it makes for a creamier risotto. Either way, buy rice from a store with high turnover.

Directions

Yield: Serves 4 as a main course

Make The Pesto Garnish

  1. Combine all ingredients except the basil in the ActiFry and cook for 5 minutes, or until garlic is fragrant and pine nuts are golden brown.
  2. Remove mixture from ActiFry and allow to cool before adding basil. Do not wipe out ActiFry bowl.

Make The Risotto

  1. In a pot on the stove, boil the water with the salt.
  2. Meanwhile, toast rice and scallions in ActiFry for 4 minutes, or until scallions are soft.
  3. Add the boiled water to the ActiFry. Close the lid and set the timer for 30 minutes. You can check on it once to ensure that most of the rice is submerged in liquid.
  4. After 30 minutes, add the chopped asparagus and, if the rice is looking dry, add another cup or so of hot water. Set timer for another 10 minutes.
  5. After 10 minutes, check rice and asparagus for doneness. If necessary, add a bit more liquid and set for 3 to 5 more minutes. It is fine if the risotto looks a bit watery as the liquid will continue to be absorbed as it sits. The finished rice grains should feel quite firm, but not crunchy, in the centre.
  6. To finish, add pecorino to risotto and either hand-stir through or allow the ActiFry to stir for a few seconds. Transfer to a serving dish and top with a few teaspoons of ricotta, drizzle with pesto and serve immediately.

Get more mouthwatering recipes and enter for your chance to win an ActiFry!

Photographer:

Stacey Brandford

Stylist:

Sasha Seymour

Designer:

Stylist, Sasha Seymour

Related Articles

Risotto With Beets & Oranges Recipe

Strawberry Risotto Recipe

Barley Leek Risotto Recipe