Review:Fresh Tomato and Basil Risotto (CL COMPLETE)

[eks]

This was my first time to make risotto. I had no idea how much time you have to stir it! However, the Fresh tomato and basil risotto was delicious. We had it as a main dish and it was very filling, although I think I will ad some sort of meat next time-maybe shrimp or turkey sausage (any suggestions would be great!). This would also be a really good side dish. Unfortuneately, this is the type of recipe I don't ordinarily have the time to make-with 30 minutes of constant stirring it is difficult to do anything else.

[Chef Cindy]

The risotto you made sounds very good. Risotto is like a blank canvas for an artist. You can do whatever strikes your fancy at a given moment. My favorite time to have risotto is on cold rainy nights with a nice glass of wine. Have fun and experiment.

[Natasha]

Eks,

Good to know that it turned out so well!

As for the time required to cook risotto, just wanted to mention that recently CL had a recipe for risotto made in the microwave; a couple of years ago there was another risotto recipe called Rapid Risotto (I believe). So apparently there are shortcuts, if you re so inclined...others on the Great Food board have made regular CL recipes using the microwave, too.

Can t say I ve ever tried any shortcuts myself, though. One of the things I love most about risotto (besides, of course, its taste and incredible versatility) is stirring it lovingly as it slowly cooks to perfection. (And unlike many others I ve talked with, I don t consider it a weekend dish! If we starve waiting for it to cook, hey, I at least will die relaxed and happy http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif .)