Creamy Spinach Risotto

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) Arborio rice 2 cups (400g) Arborio rice
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach, chopped 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/4 cup (60ml) white wine 1/4 cup (60ml) white wine
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons (30g) butter 2 tablespoons (30g) butter
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the Arborio rice to the pan and stir well to coat the grains with the oil and butter mixture.
4. 4.
   Pour in the white wine and cook until it is absorbed by the rice.
5. 5.
   Begin adding the vegetable broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring continuously until the liquid is absorbed before adding more.
6. 6.
   After adding half of the vegetable broth, stir in the chopped spinach, dried thyme, and dried oregano.
7. 7.
   Continue adding the remaining vegetable broth, stirring constantly, until the rice is cooked al dente and the risotto has a creamy consistency.
8. 8.
   Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
9. 9.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. 10.
    Let the risotto rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Spinach — Make sure to thoroughly wash the spinach leaves before chopping them. Remove any tough stems and only use the tender leaves for the risotto.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor, you can add a splash of lemon juice to the risotto just before serving.
• For a creamier texture, you can stir in a tablespoon of mascarpone cheese at the end.
• If you prefer a more pronounced herb flavor, you can add fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the risotto.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Spinach Risotto hot in individual bowls or as a side dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh spinach leaves for an elegant presentation.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation, you can shape the risotto into small rounds using a cookie cutter and place them on a bed of sautéed spinach. Drizzle some olive oil on top and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an attractive and appetizing look.