Whipping Up A Whole New Risotto!

Even abroad, I couldn't resist trying this new recipe for a curious sounding "Celery Risotto With Dandelion Greens" which I spotted on the NY Times website this weekend, especially since the produce markets here are so good. It's always an adventure trying to cook in someone else's kitchen, particularly if they don't seem to have any measuring cups or a prep knife of any kind, but despite a little adversity, this dish came together terrifically. I brought it along to a going-away party tonight (my dearest friends in this mystery city are moving to INDIA in February!) and it was literally devoured before I could even get a taste. However, reviews were stellar, so I think we can assume this recipe is worth trying, particularly if you've got some excess celery you're looking to plow through.

This is NOT a photograph of my risotto in a crazy plate/bowl.
This photo is stolen directly from the NY Times website. : ) 

I followed the instructions exactly, give or take the inaccuracy of using a mug in lieu of a measuring cup, chopping everything with a steak knife, and eye-balling anything else. : )

Oh! And I tossed in a little nob of butter before I added the cheese, because I wanted to be absolutely sure it would be delicious for my audience... In retrospect, I think one could also throw in some sauteed mushrooms and have excellent results. Just sayin'...

INGREDIENTS: 

7 cups well seasoned chicken or vegetable stock

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup minced onion

6 celery branches, preferably from the heart, diced (2 cups diced celery)

1 1/2 cups Arborio rice

1 to 2 garlic cloves (to taste), minced

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc

1 cup chopped dandelion greens or kale

2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley

1 tablespoon chopped chives

1/3 cup (1 1/2 ounces) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Put your stock or broth into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over low heat, with a ladle nearby. Make sure that it is well seasoned.

2. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a wide, heavy skillet or saucepan. Add the onion, celery and a pinch of salt, and cook gently until just about tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Do not brown.

3. Stir in the rice and the garlic and stir for a few minutes, just until the grains separate and begin to crackle. Add the wine and stir until it has been absorbed. Begin adding the simmering stock, a couple of ladlefuls at a time. The stock should just cover the rice and should be bubbling, not too slowly but not too quickly. Cook, stirring often, until it is just about absorbed. Add another ladleful or two of the stock and continue to cook in this fashion, adding more stock and stirring when the rice is almost dry. You do not have to stir constantly, but stir often. After 10 to 15 minutes stir in the dandelion greens and kale with the next addition of stock. When the rice is just tender all the way through but still chewy, usually about 25 minutes after you begin cooking, it is done. Taste now and adjust seasoning.

4. Add the parsley and chives, and another ladleful of stock to the rice. Stir in the Parmesan and remove from the heat. The mixture should be creamy. Serve right away in wide soup bowls or on plates, spreading the risotto in a thin layer rather than a mound.

Yield: Serves 4 to 5 generously