Tangy Lemon Risotto
This is a simple risotto made using fridge and pantry leftovers that I really needed to get rid of: tomato paste, half a lemon, risotto, and chicken broth. They came together beautifully! It's slightly rich because let's be honest - risotto always is, but it's also lightened up because I didn't add any heavy cream or butter. It's simply olive oil, onions, garlic, tomato paste, lemon, broth and risotto with some simple pantry spices that everyone usually has on hand! You’re going to love it on a rainy, chilly, winter day.
INGREDIENTS
Serves 2
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
1/2 Sliced Yellow Onion
4 Cloves Chopped Garlic
1 Bay Leaf
1 Tbsp Black Pepper
1/2 Tbsp Red Chili Flakes
Salt
2 Tbsp Tomato Paste
1 C Risotto Dry
4-6 C Chicken Broth
1/4 C Milk of Choice (I LOVE OATMILK)
1/2 Lemon + Zest
Optional Parmesan for Garnish
OTHER NOTES
You can use vegetable broth or water, but make sure you adjust salt levels in the dish if you do so.
Feel free to add parmesan or goat cheese in the risotto, it gives a luxurious mac n’ cheesy feel.
Instead of garnishing with parmesan cheese, you can always garnish with panko or regular toasted breadcrumbs - it’s delicious!
If you don’t have tomato paste, you can always use a little tomato sauce in place. The general taste will be less tangy, so you may need to adjust the lemon juice.
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat the olive oil on medium heat in a pan. Add in onions and sautee for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Add in garlic, bay leaf, black pepper, red chili flakes, salt, and tomato paste. Stir to combine and keep mixing for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
Add in the risotto. Stir the risotto into the mix until you see the risotto getting slightly browned - about 2-3 minutes.
Now add in your broth 1/4 cup at a time, allowing the broth to absorb before pouring more into the risotto mix. You will need to keep stirring as you add the broth. Do this until your risotto is cooked through, and has a slight bite, but is not raw.
After the risotto is cooked, add the milk, lemon juice, zest, and salt if needed. Stir to combine till it’s creamy.
Top with breadcrumbs or parmesan cheese. Serve and enjoy!