Ham & Mushroom Risotto π²
Recipe Details
- Name: Ham & Mushroom Risotto
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 4
Description
Do you find yourself with leftover ham after a delicious feast? Look no further than this hearty Ham & Mushroom Risotto recipe! π·π« Made with the savory goodness of ham, earthy mushrooms, and creamy Arborio rice, this dish is a celebration of flavors. ππ It’s perfect for those cozy nights when you crave a comforting yet elegant meal. Plus, if you have some zucchini on hand, it’s a delightful addition to the mix! π₯β¨
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1/2 tsp | Saffron threads |
| 6 tbsp | Olive oil |
| 3 | Shallots, minced |
| 3 stalks | Celery, finely chopped |
| 2 cups | Shiitake mushrooms, sliced (or any fresh mushrooms) |
| 3/4 cup | Arborio rice |
| 6 cups | Ham stock (or chicken stock) |
| 2 cups | Cooked ham, diced |
| 1 | Zucchini, diced |
| 1 tsp | Salt (adjust to taste) |
| 1/2 cup | Parmesan cheese, grated |
| 1/3 cup | Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped |
Instructions
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Clean and Prepare: Start by cleaning and preparing all your vegetables. π₯¦π Rinse the mushrooms, chop the celery, and mince the shallots.
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Infuse Saffron: In a saucepan, heat the ham stock until it simmers. Then, add in the saffron threads, allowing them to infuse the broth with their golden hue and delicate flavor. ππΌ
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SautΓ© Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced shallots, chopped celery, and sliced mushrooms. SautΓ© them until they begin to soften and release their flavors, creating a fragrant base for your risotto. π³πΏ
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Add Rice: Once the vegetables are tender, add the Arborio rice to the skillet. Stir well to coat the rice with the oil and flavors from the vegetables. Let the rice sautΓ© for a couple of minutes until it turns slightly opaque. πβ¨
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Deglaze with Stock: Now, the magic begins! Add about 1/2 cup of the hot saffron-infused ham stock to the skillet. Stir continuously until the broth is absorbed by the rice. This process helps the rice release its starches, creating that creamy risotto texture we love. π₯π₯
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Continue Cooking: Keep adding the hot stock gradually, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring frequently. Allow the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more. This slow-cooking process allows the rice to plump up and become tender while developing its rich, creamy consistency. π₯£π
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Add Zucchini (Optional): If you’re including zucchini in your risotto, add it in about 5 minutes before you estimate the rice will be fully cooked. The zucchini will cook quickly and add a fresh, vibrant element to the dish. π₯π¨
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Season to Taste: As the risotto cooks, taste it occasionally to adjust the seasoning. Depending on the saltiness of your ham or stock, you may need to add a bit of salt. Remember, you can always add more later, so start with a little and taste as you go. π§π©βπ³
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Finish with Cheese & Herbs: When the rice is tender yet still slightly firm to the bite (al dente), stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. These final touches add a creamy richness and fresh herbaceous flavor that elevates the entire dish. π§πΏ
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Serve & Enjoy! Remove the risotto from heat and let it rest for a minute or two to allow the flavors to meld together. Spoon generous portions into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired, and serve hot. π½οΈβ¨
Tips & Tricks
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Rice Consistency: The key to a perfect risotto is achieving a creamy yet slightly firm texture in the rice. Keep a close eye on the cooking process, adding broth gradually and stirring often.
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Variations: Feel free to customize this risotto to your liking! You can swap the shiitake mushrooms for your favorite variety, add in other vegetables like peas or asparagus, or even incorporate different cheeses for a unique twist. π½π§
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Leftover Love: This risotto reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic meal prep option. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of broth or water when warming it on the stove, stirring until creamy and heated through. π²π₯
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Wine Pairing: For a delightful pairing, serve this Ham & Mushroom Risotto with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The bright acidity and citrus notes will complement the creamy richness of the dish. π·π₯
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Garnish Ideas: Get creative with your garnishes! A drizzle of good-quality olive oil, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add layers of flavor and freshness to each bite. ππΆοΈ
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 629
- Total Fat: 20.4g
- Saturated Fat: 5.9g
- Cholesterol: 42.7mg
- Sodium: 234.9mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 87.8g
- Dietary Fiber: 4.1g
- Total Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 22.1g
Final Thoughts
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Ham & Mushroom Risotto, a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience. ππ΄ Whether you’re looking to use up leftover ham or simply craving a cozy meal, this recipe delivers on taste, texture, and satisfaction. Gather your ingredients, pour a glass of wine, and let the aromas of this risotto fill your kitchen with warmth and delicious anticipation. Bon appΓ©tit! π₯π²
