Sweet Pepper and Green Bean Risotto

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups (2-inch) cut green beans (about 3/4 pound)
• 2 quarts water
• 3 (14 1/2-ounce) cans vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 4 cups red bell pepper strips (about 3 peppers)
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh or 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 1/2 cups uncooked Arborio rice
• 3/4 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, crushed
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

1. Cook beans in boiling water 4 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain. Rinse with cold water until cool; drain.
2. Combine broth and 2 cups water in a medium saucepan; bring to a simmer (do not boil). Keep warm over low heat.
3. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion; sauté 3 minutes. Add bell pepper, thyme, and garlic; sauté 5 minutes. Add rice; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium. Add wine and saffron; cook 2 minutes or until wine is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Add 1 cup of broth mixture; cook 4 minutes or until liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Add remaining broth mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until each portion of broth mixture is absorbed before adding the next (about 25 minutes total). Stir in beans; cook 1 minute or until thoroughly heated. Remove from heat; stir in cheese, juice, salt, and black pepper. Serve immediately.