Earthy Delights Recipe
http://www.earthy.com/
Chicken and Mushroom RisottoIn Michigan the winters can be cruel. When the snow is deep and the wind cuts like a razor, there is great comfort to be found in a hot dish like this one. This is a hearty meal, simple to prepare but delightful in both the flavor and texture departments. The secret to an excellently prepared risotto rests in adding the liquid gradually, in stages. Stir well until all of the liquid has been absorbed. Be patient. Continue stirring until the risotto is nice and creamy.
Ingredients:
4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into one-inch pieces
1 Yellow onion
½ Pound fresh mushrooms
4 Teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1 Cup Arborio rice
3 Cups chicken stock
½ Cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
1 Tablespoon fresh, chopped chives
Preparation:
Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then dice the onion and thinly slice the mushrooms.
Heat the oil in a skillet over high heat. Add the chicken and cook on all sides until it turns a beautiful golden brown. Be sure not to burn the pan juices, as you will need these.
Transfer the chicken to a warm plate. Add the onion to the skillet and cook until translucent. Add additional oil if needed to cook the onions. Add the mushrooms to the onions and cook thoroughly. Reduce the heat and stir in the rice.
Add just 1/3 of the broth and cook, stirring constantly, until all of the liquid has been absorbed. While stirring, be careful to loosen grains of rice that may adhere to the bottom or sides of the pan.
Add another 1/3 of the broth and continue to stir constantly.
When all of the liquid has been absorbed, add the remaining broth and the browned chicken. Continue to cook, stirring patiently, until the liquid has been absorbed.
Then continue cooking for another 5 minutes. The risotto should now have a creamy texture after about 25-30 minutes of total cooking time.
Adjust with additional liquid if the risotto appears too dry.
Add the cheese and butter, tossing until well blended. Transfer to a heated serving dish and garnish with chives.
Directions:
In Michigan the winters can be cruel. When the snow is deep and the wind cuts like a razor, there is great comfort to be found in a hot dish like this one. This is a hearty meal, simple to prepare but delightful in both the flavor and texture departments. The secret to an excellently prepared risotto rests in adding the liquid gradually, in stages. Stir well until all of the liquid has been absorbed. Be patient. Continue stirring until the risotto is nice and creamy.