Ingredients
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1 cup risotto rice (don't substitute regular rice!)
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2 1/2 cups chicken stock or 2 1/2 cups vegetable stock
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 red bell pepper, chopped
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1 onion, chopped
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1 tomatoes, chopped
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1/2 zucchini, chopped
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1/3 cup peas (thawed if frozen)
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parmesan cheese, grated
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salt and pepper
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2 -3 tablespoons red pesto sauce (fresh if possible)
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1/2 cup mushroom, sliced
Instructions
- Begin by melting the butter in a large saucepan or wok.
- Add the onion and fry for a few minutes.
- Add the pepper to the onion and fry for another two or three minutes.
- Turn the heat down to medium-low.
- Add the rice and stir to coat.
- The rice grains should turn from cloudy to clear.
- Begin adding the bouillon, about 1/4 cup at a time.
- It's important to keep stirring, as the rice will absorb the liquid quickly and could burn if left unattended.
- After about 10 minutes, add the chopped tomato and the zucchini.
- After 20 minutes add the mushrooms.
- Continue to add bouillon when the rice has absorbed it.
- After about 25 minutes add the peas.
- The bouillon should be just about up by now.
- The rice usually takes about 25-30 minutes to finish cooking.
- To test for doneness, take a bite.
- It could be a bit chewy, but shouldn't be really hard.
- After the bouillon has been used up and the rice is done, stir in the pesto.
- Mix well.
- You can add salt and pepper to taste.
- Mixing in some extra grated parmesan makes the rice a bit creamier.
- Top with a bit of parmesan, if desired.
- Serve with a nice crusty bread.
- For Vegetarian use the Vegetable Stock.