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Spring Garlic and Herb Risotto

By Katy Sparks
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

For the risotto

  • 4 stalks spring garlic
  • 4 –6 cups stock or broth (I use a homemade chicken stock)
  • 3 tablespoons butter, divided
  • ¼ teaspoon ground coriander seed
  • ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt
  • 1 cup risotto rice (I prefer Carnaroli for its extra-creamy texture, but Arborio is also good)
  • 8 to 12 saffron threads
  • cup dry white wine

For finishing

  • 2 tablespoons butter (reserved)
  • ½ cup mixed freshly minced soft herbs, like basil, tarragon, mint, cilantro, parsley, chervil
  • cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • ¼ cup freshly grated pecorino
  • A few grindings of fresh black pepper
  • 1 cup lightly packed young arugula
  • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

Instructions
 

  • To prepare the green garlic, mince the white and pale green parts only. The dark-green parts are good for stocks but a little too tough for this preparation.
  • In a medium saucepan, bring the stock or broth to a simmer. Reduce the heat and keep warm.
  • In a large heavy-bottom pot, heat 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add the green garlic, ground coriander seed, and sea salt. Cook, stirring often, until fragrant and tender, about 3 minutes. Add the rice and let toast lightly, stirring often for about 1 minute.
  • Crumble the saffron threads into the wine, then pour wine onto rice and stir until evaporated, about 2 minutes. Ladle in the warm broth a cup at a time, stirring frequently until the liquid is absorbed. Repeat this process until the rice is tender with a very slight al dente bite. This generally takes about 20 minutes.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Then stir in the minced fresh herbs and the Parmesan and pecorino cheeses.
  • Season to taste with freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately into preheated shallow bowls. Dress the arugula with a little extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle over the risotto as garnish.

Notes

PHILIPPE JEANJEAN’S SUGGESTED WINE PAIRING
The best wine for this risotto will be a dry white that can complement without overpowering. I propose an aged Soave (Garganega grape), as a young Soave can be too exuberant, or a dry Chenin Blanc from France or South Africa.