Leek Risotto is a delightful Italian rice dish that graces our table at least once a week, and for good reason—it’s simply wonderful! This recipe is a reduced-fat version, with adjustments made to the oil and cheese quantities, although you can always sprinkle some extra parmesan on top if you desire. It’s a creamy, comforting dish that serves as a satisfying main course, perfect for those seeking a healthier option without compromising on flavor.
With a cook time of just 25 minutes and a total prep and cook time of 35 minutes, this dish falls comfortably within the category of meals that can be whipped up in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving a comforting homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Leek Risotto belongs to the Short Grain Rice recipe category, embodying the essence of European cuisine with its rich flavors and creamy texture. Packed with keywords like “Rice,” “European,” “Low Cholesterol,” “Healthy,” “< 60 Mins," and "Stove Top," this dish is not only delicious but also aligns with various dietary preferences and time constraints, making it a versatile addition to any meal plan.
Let’s delve into the nutritional profile of this delectable dish. Each serving clocks in at approximately 356.7 calories, with 6 grams of fat, 2 grams of saturated fat, and 10.9 milligrams of cholesterol. It contains 357.9 milligrams of sodium, 59 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 3.7 grams of sugar, and 11.3 grams of protein, offering a balanced combination of macronutrients to keep you satisfied and fueled.
Now, let’s explore the ingredients and instructions to prepare this culinary masterpiece:
Ingredients:
- 6 cups of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups of leeks, finely chopped
- 2 1/2 cups of Arborio rice
- 2/3 cup of dry white wine
- 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Begin by pouring the chicken broth into a saucepan and bringing it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. It’s important to keep the liquid hot throughout the cooking process.
- In a large, heavy saucepan, heat the olive oil over low heat. Once heated, add the finely chopped leeks and sauté them for approximately 5 minutes, or until they are soft and translucent.
- Add the Arborio rice to the saucepan with the leeks and stir continuously until white spots start to appear in the center of the rice grains, which should take about 1 minute.
- Pour in the dry white wine and stir the mixture until the wine is fully absorbed by the rice, which should take approximately 2 minutes.
- Now, it’s time to start adding the hot chicken broth to the rice mixture. Add one ladleful of broth at a time, ensuring that you maintain a gentle simmer and stirring constantly until the liquid is absorbed, which should take about 2 minutes per ladleful.
- Continue this process of adding the broth gradually, stirring constantly, until the rice is just tender but still slightly firm in the center, and the mixture becomes creamy. This should take approximately 20-25 minutes in total.
- Once the risotto reaches the desired consistency, add the grated parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to incorporate the cheese evenly throughout the risotto.
- Serve the leek risotto immediately while it’s hot and creamy, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic Italian dish.
This recipe yields approximately 8 cups of delicious leek risotto, perfect for serving a family dinner or for meal prepping ahead of time. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress with its simplicity and depth of flavor.
In summary, Leek Risotto is a creamy and indulgent Italian dish that’s been lightened up without sacrificing any of its deliciousness. With simple ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions, and a relatively short cooking time, it’s a perfect choice for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and treat yourself to a bowl of this homemade goodness tonight!
