Risotto magnifies the flavor of whatever you put into it, so it really shows off the freshness of vegetables right out of the garden. Two things determine the success of this dish: First, whether your wrist is in shape for 20 to 25 minutes of constant stirring. And second, the quality of the rice.
Servings: Serves 4
Ingredients
  • 8 cups unsalted chicken stock, preferably homemade
  • 3 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 shallot, chopped
  • 2 cups Italian Arborio or carnaroli rice
  • 2 cups chopped fresh spring greens, such as spinach, chard, turnip greens, or arugula
  • 4 ounces prosciutto, diced into 1/4-inch pieces
  • 1 Tbsp. butter
  • 1/2 tsp. sea salt
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese, grated
    • Directions
    Add chicken stock to a pot and bring to a simmer.

    Heat olive oil in a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Sauté shallot until just soft. Add rice and sauté, stirring frequently, 2 to 3 minutes.

    Pour a ladleful of hot chicken stock into the mixture; stir constantly until the stock evaporates. Pour another ladleful in and stir until stock is absorbed. Keep doing this for 14 minutes longer. Add just enough hot chicken stock each time to keep the rice from sticking. Slowly, the rice will become creamy.

    After that 14 minutes, when the rice is getting softer but is still not entirely cooked in the center, add greens. Continue adding stock for another 2 minutes, then add prosciutto. Stir another minute and continue adding chicken stock until the rice has just the right texture: Each grain should retain its shape, but the overall risotto should have a velvety creaminess. Add butter and salt.

    Season to taste with pepper, and serve with lots of grated cheese.

    From the June 2009 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

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