~ Lemon Mint Risotto ~
Here is what I think about risotto: A good risotto should be creamy, but not soupy. The rice should be tender, but not mushy. Its accompanying ingredients should be minimal without overwhelming and reflect the season. This recipe for Lemon Risotto with Mint is firmly planted in spring. Redolent with lemon and mint, the puckery citrus cuts the inherent creaminess of the risotto, while flecks of fresh mint add freshness and aroma. I like to serve small plates of this as an elegant first course to a nice meal.
Lemon Risotto with Mint
Serves 6
6 cups chicken stock
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion
2 cups arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano cheese, plus extra for garnish
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon zest, plus extra for garnish
4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint leaves, divided
Bring stock to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat to lowest setting and keep warm.
Heat 1 tablespoon butter and oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened without coloring, 2 minutes. Add rice and stir to coat. Add wine. Cook, stirring, until the wine evaporates. Add stock 1 cup at a time, stirring until nearly all of the liquid is absorbed before adding the next cup. Continue until the rice is tender but not mushy. Remove pan from the heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon butter, 1/2 cup cheese, lemon juice and lemon zest. Add 2 tablespoons mint leaves. Serve immediately in bowls garnished with extra cheese, zest and mint.
You might also enjoy these recipes from TasteFood:
Fregola Sarda with Asparagus and Lemon
Greek Couscous Salad
Farro Pilaf
A great starter for a spring dinner party – you are on a lemon roll!
This sounds awesome. I’m going to make it this week!
Too bad you could not hear me saying “yes” “yes” “YES” at each of your statements about risotto!
Could not agree more, and your risotto is simply the best way to welcome Spring.. I am beyond ready!
You surely have applied the KISS principle here and does it ever work !!
Delicious! This risotto must be really enjoyable.
Cheers,
Rosa
Looks so creamy and delicious.
Stunning in its simplicity and deliciousness!
I’ve never added mint to risotto before and I have no idea why I’ve never done so. Delish
Lemon risotto is great! I think because it complements the cheese and wine so well. I have a similar recipe but it also calls for prosciutto 🙂
This looks so fresh and light with the lemon. And I love the addition of mint. Perfect!
What a perfect spring dish.
An irresistible ode to spring! Adore the pairing of lemon and mint. It would be difficult to have just a small serving as the first course!
Didn’t this turn out just perfect.. the texture, the colors, the fresh flavours?! You must have just so enjoyed this dishful of spring! Your photo is perfect.. I can see the little buds of risotto..nestled in a creamy sauce!