Creamy, comforting, and full of depth, this risotto features tender kale folded into velvety rice.
Ingredients:
1 bag kale (if using cavolo nero or curly kale
strip the leaves from the stalk – for red Russian
use the finely chopped stalks too)
250ml white wine (optional
or use all stock)
1 litre hot chicken or veg stock
1 onion
finely sliced
1 tbsp fennel seeds
2 garlic cloves
chopped
1 tbsp olive oil for frying
400g risotto rice
balsamic vinegar
Parmesan or Pecorino
grated
to serve
salt and pepper
Directions:
In a pan of boiling water
blanch the kale for a couple of minutes
drain
refresh in a pan of cold water
drain again and keep to one side.
Combine the wine (if using) and stock. Fry the onions
garlic and fennel seeds in the oil on a medium heat for 5 minutes. Add the rice and stir until well coated. Turn down the heat and start adding the liquid.
Keep stirring and adding the liquid as it is absorbed by the rice. After about 10-15 minutes add the kale. When all the liquid has gone or the rice is done (whichever is sooner) add a splash of balsamic vinegar. Season to taste. Stir in some grated Parmesan to serve.