Lemon Basil Risotto with Burrata

Step 1

Put the rice into a fine mesh strainer and place the strainer over a medium saucepan. Pour the vegetable or chicken stock over the rice to wash the starch off the grains and into the stock. Put the saucepan on medium heat and bring it to a simmer. Once it's simmering, shut off the heat and cover the saucepan to keep it hot.

Step 2

Melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet or saucier. Let the butter foam up and subside and then add the salt and shallots. Saute the shallots until soft and golden, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds more.

Step 3

Add the rice and saute for 2 minutes, or until it smells a little toasty. Add the wine wine; simmer until absorbed, 1-2 minutes. Add the stock a ladleful or two at a time, stirring occasionally. Allow each addition to be almost absorbed (you don't want the rice to get dry and stick to bottom) and keep the rice at a very gentle simmer. The risotto will be done when you have used most of the stock and the rice just tender but not mushy, about 20-25 minutes. Taste the risotto and add more salt if needed. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest.

Step 4

While the risotto is cooking, make the spinach basil pesto. Add the spinach, basil, and parsley to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until they are finely chopped. Add the parmesan cheese, turn on the processor, and then drizzle in the olive oil. Once everything is combined, set the pesto aside until the risotto is done.

Step 5

To finish the risotto, stir in the pesto. Then taste and see if it needs more salt or lemon juice and adjust the seasoning. Portion out the risotto to four bowls. Top each bowl of risotto with 2 oz of burrata. Sprinkle a little more parmesan or finely chopped basil over the risotto if desired.