Tangy lemon mingles with mascarpone for a creamy risotto with parmesan for an extra bite. Plus, the broth used is infused with lemon peels and saffron.
Tangy lemon mingles with the creaminess of the mascarpone cheese and a sprinkling of saffron – The colors are beautiful, the flavors are exciting and this dish comes together quickly and easily. Perfect for Meatless Monday.
Mascarpone is an Italian soft cheese with a mild flavor – Because of this, it can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It is used in the traditional Italian dessert of tiramisu.
The mascarpone lends a great creaminess to this risotto and is combined with parmesan to give an extra bite. The broth used for the risotto is infused with lemon peels and a sprinkling of saffron. The saffron lends an extra flavor to the dish and contributes to the beautiful color. However, if you don’t have any on hand, feel free to leave it out. The dish will still be amazing!!! I served this risotto alongside this salad, however, it would also be great with some grilled asparagus on the side.
What to pair: I would strongly suggest an un-oaked chardonnay with this risotto – It’s butteriness and hints of citrus will pair very nicely.
Another option would be a bright pinot gris – It’s acidity will cut through the richness of the dish and lend a brightening essence to the dish.
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- 2 lemons - 1 zested and juiced - 1 peeled (yellow part only)
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 shallots, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 1½ cups arborio rice
- ½ cup dry vermouth
- pinch saffron
- 4 tablespoons mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- A few leaves of fresh basil, torn
- In a medium saucepan, heat the broth, saffron and lemon peel over medium-low heat. Cover and keep warm.
- In a large pot or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and garlic and cook until softened. Add the rice and cook for about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the wine and cook until evaporated. Add about 2 cups of warm stock and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has evaporated. Add 2 more cups of stock, and continue cooking until evaporated again. Add 1 cup stock and the lemon zest, and cook until evaporated. Taste the rice to see if it's done. If needed, add additional broth and cook for a bit longer. It should have a bite to it, but be creamy in texture.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, mascarpone and parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you have any citrus salts on hand - definitely use those!
- Garnish with basil and additional grated parmesan.
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