Saffron Risotto with Red Pepper and Crispy Leeks

Saffron Risotto with Red Pepper and Crispy Leeks
Recipe by Dragon

Sometimes, the first time is the charm. Usually it takes a few attempts at a recipe before I think it's just right. With this one, it was perfect with the first try. Not bad, if I do say so myself. :) I love a warm, tender and creamy risotto. There is almost nothing better or more comforting I can think of to eat. I hope you enjoy it.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:
4 cups chicken broth, low sodium
1/4 teaspoon saffron
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup finely chopped leeks, sliced thinly
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup arborio rice
1/2 cup dry White wine
1/2 red pepper, finely diced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Salt to taste

Directions:
1. Bring the broth and saffron to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cover the broth and keep it over very low heat.

2. Melt the 2 tablespoons butter in a heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add the leeks and saute until they have carmelized and are crispy. Remove the leeks reserve in a small bowl.

3. To the pan, stir in the garlic and red pepper. Saute for 30 seconds. Stir in the rice and cook for about 2 minutes until the rice is toasted.

3. Add the wine and stir until it is absorbed.

4. Add 3/4 cup of hot broth and simmer over medium-low heat until the liquid is absorbed. Stir often. Keep adding 3/4 cup of hot broth until all the broth is absorbed but the rice is tender and creamy.

5. Add the 1/2 cup of Parmesan and last tablespoon of butter. Stir until the cheese and butter have melted into the rice.

6. Season with salt to taste. Spoon the risotto into bowls. Sprinkle the top of the risotto with reserved crispy leeks.

20 comments:

Arundathi said...

what a great idea to use the leeks - must've been wonderful! I love risotto too! especially with some truffle shavings or truffle oil! :D Delicious!!

eatingclubvancouver_js said...

The colours are so vibrant! I love the addition of the crispy leeks. That's just genius!

Unknown said...

yumm i love risotto. havent tried saffron tho...will grab a tin if i go to a luxury supermarket hehe

Laura Paterson said...

Mmmm - what a beautiful coloured dish this is, and I love the leeks in risotto too :)

Patricia Scarpin said...

Dragon, risotto is my favorite food and this bowl is calling out my name!

Vera said...

What a beautiful color! I can imagine how good it was.

Adam said...

You're right, that does look perfect on the first try :) I knew you were a natural already, though...

Mike of Mike's Table said...

I just had risotto the other night and this sounds and looks delicious. The color you got on this looks spectacular

Anonymous said...

Oh I love the idea of crispy leeks in there. How yummy especially since I've rarely come across a risotto I didn't like.

Darius T. Williams said...

I love a good risotto - and crispy leeks and red pepper round this off to perfection!

-DTW
www.everydaycookin.blogspot.com

maybelles mom said...

very pretty dish. and saffron is a fav.

Rajani said...

looks delicious! don;t know where I'll get arborio rice tho' and make a veggie version!

vanillasugarblog said...

Mmmm I love saffron. What a gorgeous picture you have there.

Lo said...

When the weather grows chilly, we become risotto fiends at our house! LOVE the stuff. And I have a great affection for saffron. So, this is definitely going to make it onto one of our fall menus! You've done it again Ms. Dragon :)

Manger La Ville said...

Crispy leeks and Saffron sounds yummy to me. Risotto is one of my favorite and ultimate comfort foods.

Dee said...

I love risotto, but I'm really intrigued by those caramelized, crispy leeks. Oh, those sounds great.

whall said...

I'm allergic to veggies, so I think I'll drink this in with my eyes.

Dragon said...

arundathi: Truffles would have made this risotto even better. Great idea!

js: Thanks!

rita: Good thing you only need just a little bit of saffron.

kittie: Thanks!

patricia: Should I rename this Patricia's Risotto?

vera: It was creamy and yummy.

adam: Thanks, darling!

mike: I love the colour also. It makes it irresistable.

noble: The leeks make this dish.

darius: Agreed!

maybelle: Mine too.

rajani: Let me know how it turns out.

dawn: Thanks!

lo: I love risotto anytime of year. :)

manger: Mine too!

dee: They really made this dish amazing.

whall: Allergic, eh? I'm suspicous.

Anonymous said...

This risotto is definitely something I'll consider eating during the day when I'm on the Weight Watchers diet, with less butter of course. Thanks!

R E D said...

I am so doing this, this weekend!!! Just got to buy the saffron and parmeson and I'm a go!!!

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