This Tomato and Mozzarella Risotto is a delightful journey through the vibrant flavors of Italy, perfect for a wholesome dinner that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. The creamy richness of fresh mozzarella complements the tanginess of crushed tomatoes, creating a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 3 ¼ cups organic vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tbsp minced fresh garlic
- 1 ¼ cups Arborio rice
- ¾ cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, chopped (about ½ cup)
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ⅛ tsp kosher salt
- 2 cups torn fresh baby spinach
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil
- 4 tsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Instructions:
- Begin by bringing the organic vegetable broth to a gentle simmer in a medium saucepan; maintain low heat to keep it warm.
- In a spacious saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Sauté finely chopped onion and minced garlic for 2 minutes until tender, stirring frequently. Introduce Arborio rice; cook for an additional minute, stirring continuously.
- Gradually add ½ cup of broth to the rice; cook for 5 minutes or until the liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Set aside 1/3 cup of broth. Continue adding the remaining broth, ¼ cup at a time, stirring constantly until absorbed before each addition (approximately 22 minutes).
- Incorporate the crushed tomatoes; cook for an additional minute. Add chopped mozzarella, black pepper, and salt, stirring until the cheese melts. Remove from heat; gently fold in the reserved 1/3 cup of broth, torn baby spinach, and finely chopped fresh basil.
- Distribute 1 cup of the luscious risotto into each of the 4 shallow bowls. Just before serving, drizzle 1 teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil over each portion.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 362
- Fat: 11.5g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Cholesterol: 19mg
- Sodium: 599mg
- Carbohydrates: 57.5g
- Fiber: 4.4g
- Protein: 8.8g
Keep in mind that the nutritional information offered here is a general approximation and may differ depending on the specific brands of ingredients and portion sizes you choose.
Cooking Tips:
- Use high-quality fresh mozzarella for a creamy and luxurious texture.
- Torn fresh basil adds a fragrant touch; add it just before serving to preserve its flavor.
- Drizzle a bit of extra-virgin olive oil right before serving for a finishing touch of richness.