Risotto is one of my most favorite comfort foods; one I only discovered about four years ago. I’ve finally started to broaden my horizons and make versions other than my absolute favorite recipe. This one was on my meal plan for a few weeks, as I had some spinach and sun-dried tomatoes that I really needed to use up. But because risotto takes a lot of time – it’s not a meal that you can quickly cook – I kept bumping it further and further back. Finally, I found a little bit of free time to make this version of risotto – I’m very pleased with the result, and I also feel that Liz will be especially relieved that I finally made it!

Risotto with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

adapted from My Favourite Pastime

•  6-8 cups stock/broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 cups Arborio rice
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 4 cups spinach, washed & shredded
• 6 sundried tomatoes, drained and chopped (mine were vacuum sealed, not in oil)
• ½ cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano
• salt & pepper

1. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil & butter over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook until they begin to soften.
2. Add the garlic and rice and stir for about 2 minutes until it just starts to brown a little.
3. Add the wine and reduce the heat. Stir constantly until the wine has been absorbed.
4. Add a cup of your stock to the rice, and stir. When the rice has fully absorbed the liqud, add more stock – a little at a time.
5. One all the stick has been absorbed, your right should be nice and soft, with a creamy texture. Add the spinach and tomatoes. Add salt & pepper to taste, then add the parmesan cheese. Toss into the rice, and serve hot.

It’s a colorful meal, isn’t it?

I will absolutely make this again, especially once CSA season rolls around again and I have plenty of fresh chard & spinach. If you don’t like parmesan, you can always change the cheese to mozzarella – I think that would taste just as great. I also wonder what this would taste like with a little lemon zest. I ended up taking the leftovers for lunch; I honestly don’t mind leftover risotto, unlike someone else I know 😉

In the meantime, if you’re expecting yet another winter storm, I highly suggest putting this on the docket for dinner. It’s comforting, flavorful and warms you right up!