Risotto of the Imagination

Makes 4-6 serves
A cropped bowl and frypan, filled with colourful vegetable risotto.

This delicious risotto recipe is a base dish that can be adapted to seasonal produce throughout the year. Concentrate on getting the basics right, then experiment to find your seasonal favourites.

Equipment

  • measuring scales, cup and spoon
  • medium saucepan
  • chopping board
  • cook’s knife
  • large pot
  • wooden spoon
  • ladle

Ingredients

  • 1.5L salt-reduced chicken or vegetable stock
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
  • 3 stalks of celery, finely chopped
  • 400g risotto rice (arborio rice)
  • 2 cups seasonal vegetables, chopped into 1cm pieces
  • 1 small handful of parsley, finely chopped

What to do

  1. Heat the stock in the medium saucepan.
  2. Heat the olive oil in the large pot, add the onion, garlic and celery, and cook slowly for 10 minutes.
  3. Add the rice and turn up the heat, stirring constantly. After a minute it will look slightly translucent.
  4. Gently add your first ladle of hot stock and stir.
  5. Lower the heat and continue adding stock, stirring and allowing each ladle to be fully absorbed.
  6. Add your seasonal ingredients and cook until tender.
  7. Test the rice – it should be soft but with a slight bite.
  8. Remove from the heat and add the parsley.
  9. Cover and rest for 2 minutes before serving.
  10. Season to taste (optional).

SEASONAL OPTIONS

Summer: tomato and basil. 

Autumn: pumpkin and sage. 

Winter: pea and cauliflower. 

Spring: asparagus and lemon.

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COOKING CLASSES brings families together to learn life-long healthy eating habits and gain cooking experience to build confidence in the kitchen and beyond.

BREAKFAST CLUB provides all students the opportunity to enjoy a nutritious breakfast, allowing them to concentrate better in the classroom.