RECIPE - Tomato & White Bean Risotto
In September 2019, we partnered with Heart-n-Soul Community Cafe for a Fall Favorites Lunch featuring a meal created by our own Megan Myrdal. The menu included Tomato & White Bean Risotto, a variation on a classic recipe from New York Times Cooking. This recipe is best during tomato season using fresh, flavorful locally grown tomatoes. Enjoy!
Tomato & White Bean Risotto
Makes 4-6 servings
Ingredients
Extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
Salt and pepper
1 1/2 cups arborio or carnaroli rice
Pinch of red-pepper flakes
2 garlic cloves
1/2 cup white wine
2 cups diced ripe red tomatoes
3 cups boiling water or vegetable broth
1 cup cooked white beans (from dry or canned)
1/2 cup grated pecorino or Parmesan, plus more for serving
4 medium tomatoes, in different colors, sliced
Chopped parsley, for garnish
Snipped basil, for garnish
Directions
Put 3 tablespoons olive oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat, then add the onion, and season generously with salt. Add pepper to taste, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the rice and cook the onions, stirring, until the onions are barely brown, about 2 minutes. Add red-pepper flakes, garlic, white wine and diced tomatoes, and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes more.
Add 2 cups boiling water and adjust the heat to a brisk simmer. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring well with a wooden spoon every minute or so.
When the liquid is absorbed, add remaining 1 cup water and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, until the rice is cooked, but the grains are still firm. Add white beans. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding another splash of water if necessary, to loosen the mixture. Turn off the heat, stir in the pecorino and 2 more tablespoons olive oil.
Transfer to a low, wide serving bowl. Surround the rice with tomato slices and season them with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with parsley and basil. Pass more grated cheese at the table.