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Tomato Basil Risotto

Creamy risotto made with Arborio rice, tomatoes, spinach, basil, and Parmesan.
Cook the rice slowly with warm chicken stock for a silky texture.
Ready in about 45 minutes for an easy, comforting meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian-inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups halal chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 shallot minced
  • 2 garlic cloves pressed or minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 3/4 cup Arborio rice
  • 1/4 cup additional chicken stock
  • 2 vine-ripened tomatoes seeded and chopped
  • 2 cups baby spinach chopped
  • 10 fresh basil leaves chopped
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Add the chicken stock to a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and keep the stock hot throughout cooking.
  • Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and garlic, then season lightly with salt and black pepper.
  • Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the shallot becomes soft and fragrant.
  • Add the Arborio rice and stir well to coat each grain with the butter. Lightly toast the rice for about 1 minute.
  • Add 1/4 cup chicken stock and stir until it is almost completely absorbed by the rice.
  • Add the hot chicken stock one ladleful at a time, stirring gently and regularly. Wait until most of the liquid has been absorbed before adding the next ladleful.
  • Continue this process for approximately 30–35 minutes. The rice should gradually become creamy and tender while retaining a slight bite in the center.
  • When about two ladlefuls of stock remain, stir in the chopped tomatoes.
  • When about one ladleful of stock remains, add the chopped spinach and fresh basil. Stir gently until the greens wilt and the remaining liquid is absorbed.
  • Once the rice is tender and creamy, remove the skillet from the heat.
  • Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed.
  • Serve the Tomato Basil Risotto immediately while it is warm and creamy.

Notes

For the best texture, serve risotto immediately after cooking. If you prefer a more pronounced tomato flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the Arborio rice.
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or crusty bread. For a vegetarian meal, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.