Risotto with Fresh Mozzarella, Grape Tomatoes, and Basil
Photography: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Melanie J. Clarke
How to Make It
Step 1
Place vinegar in a small, heavy saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook until slightly syrupy and reduced to 1 tablespoon (about 4 minutes). Set aside.
Step 2
Bring the broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan (do not boil). Keep warm.
Step 3
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add leek; sauté 3 minutes or until tender. Add rice; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in wine, and cook 1 minute or until the liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Stir in 1 cup broth; cook 5 minutes or until the liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until each portion of broth is absorbed before adding the next (about 25 minutes total). Stir in half-and-half, salt, and pepper; cook 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in tomatoes, basil, and cheese. Place about 1 cup risotto evenly into 6 shallow serving bowls, and drizzle each with 1/2 teaspoon balsamic syrup and 1/2 teaspoon olive oil.
jostrei's Review
I really enjoyed this risotto, but the BF thought it was just ok. He didn't like mozz cheese, he prefers when I make risotto with parm. I thought it was good as written. I would probably add the tomatoes in earlier next time to allow them to cook down a bit more as well. Overall, this is something I would make again.
snehn042's Review
Fantastic! I was cooking a birthday dinner for my wife, and made this with the CL "Seared Lamb with Balsamic Sauce". Great Winter meal with a nice Zin. I followed the instructions, and will make them both again!
paboking's Review
My family loved this recipe the first time I made it, but we all felt the tomatoes should be cooked. I now make it using the roasted tomatoes from the CL recipe"Chicken and Brie Sandwich with Roasted tomatoes." It's wonderful. Try it.
skrieger's Review
N/A
cookinfabulous's Review
This is awesome. I think it would also be good with roasted red peppers instead of the tomatoes. I made this as a main dish and found it very substantial. The balsamic vinegar is delicious. Would absolutely make this for company.
ChefKiki's Review