Dive into the heart of Italian cuisine with our mouthwatering Tomato Basil Spinach Risotto! This creamy, flavorful dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will transport you straight to a quaint trattoria in Tuscany. With its rich blend of fresh tomatoes, vibrant spinach, and the nutty depth of Parmesan, this risotto is a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds singing. Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is easy to follow and ready in just 35 minutes. Get ready to elevate your culinary skills and make a dish that everyone will rave about!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable broth in a separate saucepan and keep it simmering on low heat. This ensures the broth is warm when added to the rice.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Arborio rice to the pan and toast it for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat the rice with oil and prevent burning. The rice should become slightly translucent around the edges.
- Begin adding the warm vegetable broth one ladleful at a time. Stir continuously and allow each ladleful to be absorbed before adding the next. This slow process helps release the rice's starches, creating a creamy texture.
- After about 15-18 minutes of gradual broth addition, when the rice is almost tender, fold in the diced tomatoes and continue cooking.
- When the rice is al dente and has a creamy consistency, remove from heat and stir in fresh spinach, which will wilt from the residual heat.
- Fold in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. The cheese will further enhance the creamy texture.
- Let the risotto rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and texture to settle.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan and fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your risotto hinges on the quality of your ingredients, especially the vegetable broth and Parmesan cheese. Opt for low-sodium broth and freshly grated cheese for the best results.
- Keep the Broth Warm: Always keep your vegetable broth simmering on low heat while cooking. Adding cold broth can shock the rice and disrupt the cooking process, preventing that creamy texture we all love.
- Stir Constantly: Stirring the risotto frequently helps release the starches from the Arborio rice, which is what gives risotto its characteristic creaminess. Don’t rush this step!
- Add Broth Gradually: Be patient when adding the broth. Allow each ladleful to be fully absorbed before adding more. This slow addition is key to achieving the perfect al dente texture.
- Finish with Fresh Ingredients: Stirring in fresh spinach at the end preserves its vibrant color and nutrients. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a handful of fresh basil leaves just before serving.
- Let it Rest: Allow your risotto to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors meld together and gives you a more cohesive dish.
- Garnish for Presentation: Don’t forget to garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil leaves before serving. It not only enhances the dish visually but adds a fresh flavor that complements the risotto beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
