Italian Wedding Risotto

Step 1

Preheat oven to broil with rack 9 inches from heat. Combine pork, panko, 1/3 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, parsley, egg, 2 teaspoons chopped garlic, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix gently with hands until just combined. Roll mixture into 20 meatballs (about 2 tablespoons each). Place meatballs 1 inch apart on a broiler-safe baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Broil until browned and cooked through, 6 to 9 minutes. Set cooked meatballs aside at room temperature until ready to serve.

Step 2

Combine stock and 2 cups water in a medium saucepan; bring to a simmer over medium. Reduce heat to medium-low.

Step 3

Heat oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium. Add onion, celery, and remaining chopped garlic; cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add rice, and cook, stirring constantly, until translucent, 1 to 2 minutes. Add wine, and cook, stirring often, until almost completely reduced, 1 to 2 minutes. Add 1 cup warm stock mixture, and cook, stirring constantly, until most of the liquid has been absorbed. Add remaining stock mixture, 1 cup at a time, stirring until liquid has been absorbed after each addition, until rice is al dente, about 20 minutes.

Step 4

Remove from heat. Stir in remaining cheese and remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Stir in spinach; cook, stirring occasionally, until just wilted, about 30 seconds. Divide risotto and meatballs among bowls. Drizzle with oil; garnish with additional cheese, parsley, and pepper.