Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
12 ounces carnaroli rice or 12 ounces arborio rice
1 onion , chopped
1 large leek , thinly sliced
1 red pepper , deseeded and chopped
1 cup dry white wine
2 vegetable bouillon cubes , dissolved in 3 3/4 cups hot water
8 ounces mushrooms , wiped and sliced
3 ounces frozen petits pois or 3 ounces garden peas , thawed
4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese , finely grated
salt & freshly ground black pepper
basil leaves , to garnish
Risotto is a popular Italian dish that is traditionally made with arborio rice. This recipe puts a twist on the classic risotto by incorporating sharp cheddar cheese, which adds a rich and creamy flavor to the dish. The addition of onions, leeks, red pepper, mushrooms, and peas makes this recipe a hearty and nutritious meal that is perfect for a cozy winter night in. This cheddar risotto is vegetarian, but it can easily be adapted to include your favorite protein or cooked seafood.

Instructions

1.In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced leek, and chopped red pepper, and cook for 5 minutes until soft.
2.Add the carnaroli or arborio rice to the pan and stir well to coat the grains in the oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the rice starts to become translucent.
3.Add the dry white wine and let it bubble and evaporate almost completely.
4.Add the vegetable bouillon cubes dissolved in hot water, one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Wait for the liquid to be absorbed before adding the next one.
5.After about 20 minutes, the rice should be cooked but still have a bite to it. Add in the sliced mushrooms and thawed peas, and cook for a further 5 minutes.
6.Finally, stir in the finely grated cheddar cheese, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7.Serve the risotto with a garnish of fresh basil leaves.

PROS

This cheddar risotto is a hearty, comforting dish that is easy to make and family-friendly.
The creamy texture and cheesy flavor are sure to please everyone at the dinner table.

Using only a few simple ingredients, this dish is budget-friendly and can be easily customized by adding your favorite vegetables or protein.

CONS

Risotto can be time-consuming and requires constant attention while cooking.
The constant stirring can be tiring, but it’s necessary to achieve the desired creamy texture.

This dish is quite high in calories and fat due to the cheese and olive oil, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Despite its high-calorie content, this cheddar risotto contains several health benefits from its ingredients. Onions and leeks are both nutrient-dense vegetables that contain vitamins and antioxidants.
Mushrooms are a valuable source of protein, fiber, and several vitamins and minerals. They have been linked to reducing inflammation and supporting immune function.
Peas are a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and several essential vitamins and minerals.
Olive oil is a healthy fat that contains monounsaturated fatty acids, which have been linked to reducing inflammation and improving heart health.
The cheddar cheese in this recipe provides a good source of calcium and protein, but it should be consumed in moderation due to its high-fat content.

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