Risotto with Greens

Any leafy greens would do well in this recipe, with slight flavor differences with each. Some people stir-fry or boil the greens separately. I like to add them directly to the rice to preserve their full flavor.

Ingredients

1 bunch (or bag) greens, chopped

1 cup arborio rice

1 cup dry mushrooms

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cups vegetable or chicken stock, heated

1 teaspoon thyme

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Place dried mushroom in a bowl, cover them with 1 cup of boiling water and soak for 5 minutes. Drain and reserve the drained water. In a skillet, heat oil to medium hot and saute mushrooms and onions until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add rice and stir. When rice is hot, adding 1/4 cup reserved mushroom water. Add thyme and garlic. Stir gently and continuously until liquid is almost absorbed. Repeat the process, 1/4 cup at a time, with the rest of the mushroom water and heated stock, stirring the rice frequently. The rice should be kept to a mild simmer throughout this process which will take about 20 minutes.  Add more stock if necessary. Never let the rice dry entirely, nor make it swim in stock. When rice is almost cooked (it should still be al dente), add the greens and fold them into the rice.  Add a little more stock if the mixture becomes too dry. Continue to stir until the greens are cooked (another 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the greens).  At that point, the rice should be soft and ready. Add grated Parmesan and salt and pepper to taste.

Submitted by Philippe Waterinckx, Tucson CSA