Description
Easy, flavorful and fresh lemon risotto! The perfect spring and summer side dish!
Ingredients
1 shallot, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 cups arborio rice
3/4 cups dry white wine (see note above)
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon cream cheese
1 lemon, zested
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
Bring chicken stock to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer. Heat butter and olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, then add shallot and garlic and let cook until translucent. I finally invested in this saucepan, and it makes such a huge difference!
Add the rice to the shallot mixture, tossing to coat. Toast the rice for about 3-5 minutes, then add wine. Simmer over medium-low heat until the wine is almost evaporated.
Add the broth one cup at a time, continuing to stir until all the liquid is almost absorbed before adding more. (See notes below – this step is the secret to risotto!) Once all the broth has been added and cooked into the rice, remove pan from heat and stir in parmesan, salt, pepper, thyme, cream cheese, and lemon juice and lemon zest. Serve sprinkled with green onion!
Notes
Arborio rice is an especially starchy rice, which is why it’s so naturally creamy when cooked! The trick to delicious risotto is to “tease” the starch out of the rice. We do that by cooking low and slow. Keep the heat on medium low heat, and let all the liquid absorb before adding more! The result? Perfection!
Morgan Hanson | 10th Apr 20
I saw that your other Risotto recipe (White Wine and Parmesan Risotto) did not call for cream cheese. I want to make this in two days…think I could leave out the cream cheese or should I make a special trip to the store in these COVID19 times.
Kirsten Bell | 11th Apr 20
Hi Morgan! The cream cheese helps add a creaminess to the risotto to balance the lemon, but definitely isn’t worth a trip to the store just for that in these circumstances! I’d say make it without, it will still be delicious! And thank you for making my recipe!
Amber Frakes Radka | 27th Sep 20
Ooooohh my goodness. I made this for a family dinner and everyone, I mean EVERYONE asked for the recipe! It is so tasty and easy to make! 10/10 recommend!