Risotto with Spinach Pesto
Category: First Course (Primi Piatti)
Servings: 4
This hearty and nutritious risotto with a vibrant spinach pesto is a delightful way to bring together the richness of whole-grain rice, roasted cherry tomatoes, and a homemade pesto blend thatβs both creamy and fresh. With the added texture of chickpeas, crunchy seeds, and creamy Quartirolo cheese, this dish promises a satisfying meal that is as wholesome as it is delicious.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Brown rice | 240g |
| Quartirolo Lombardo cheese | 150g |
| Pre-cooked chickpeas | 240g |
| Pumpkin seeds | to taste |
| Flax seeds | to taste |
| Sunflower seeds | to taste |
| Fresh spinach leaves | 50g |
| Blanched almonds | 50g |
| Grana Padano cheese (DOP) | 50g |
| Water | 60g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 50g |
| Fine salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Cherry tomatoes | 600g |
| Lemon zest | 1 |
| Powdered sugar | 20g |
| Extra virgin olive oil (for dressing) | 20g |
| Dried oregano | to taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Cherry Tomatoes
Start by preheating the oven to 200Β°C (392Β°F). Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly and cut them in half. Place them on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, powdered sugar, and oregano. Roast them in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until they become tender and slightly caramelized. Once done, remove them from the oven and give them a gentle toss, adding a little extra olive oil if needed.
Step 2: Cook the Brown Rice
While the tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the brown rice and cook it according to the package instructions, typically around 25-30 minutes, until itβs tender but still firm to the bite. Once done, drain the rice and set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Spinach Pesto
While the rice and tomatoes are cooking, prepare the spinach pesto. In a tall, narrow container, combine the fresh spinach leaves, blanched almonds, Grana Padano cheese, water, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Using an immersion blender, blend everything until smooth and creamy. Once the pesto reaches a homogenous consistency, set it aside for later.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Drain and rinse the pre-cooked chickpeas. Once the cherry tomatoes are out of the oven, gently mix them with the chickpeas, chopped Quartirolo cheese, and the mix of pumpkin, sunflower, and flax seeds. Add this mixture to the cooked brown rice.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Pour the freshly made spinach pesto over the rice mixture, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients evenly. The warm rice will absorb the flavors of the pesto and the roasted tomatoes. Finish by zesting a lemon over the top for a fresh, citrusy kick.
Your Risotto with Spinach Pesto is now ready to serve! This dish is a great balance of textures and flavors, with creamy cheese, earthy pesto, roasted tomatoes, and the nutty crunch of seeds and almonds. Enjoy this vibrant, wholesome meal thatβs perfect for any occasion!
Tips for Success:
- Rice Choice: While brown rice is used here for a healthier and nutty flavor, you can also experiment with other grains like farro or barley for a different texture and flavor.
- Seed Mix: Feel free to adjust the seed mix based on your preferences. Pumpkin, sunflower, and flax seeds not only add crunch but are packed with nutrients!
- Storage: Leftover pesto can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Just make sure to drizzle a bit of olive oil on top to keep it from oxidizing.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan version, simply omit the Grana Padano and Quartirolo cheese, and replace them with a plant-based cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 60g |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Calcium | 150mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
This Risotto with Spinach Pesto is a great choice for those looking for a healthy, hearty meal that combines rich flavors with wholesome ingredients. Itβs perfect as a main dish for lunch or dinner and offers a great way to incorporate more greens, seeds, and whole grains into your diet. Enjoy!
