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Roasted Berry Risotto with Mozzarella and Raw Kale

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • FOR THE RISOTTO
  • ½ cup blueberries
  • ½ cup strawberries hulled, and halved if large
  • ¼ pound diced pancetta
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil if necessary
  • 1 cup arborio or risotto rice
  • 4 - 6 cups vegetable stock and water mixed (half and half)
  • 1 tablespoon butter optional
  • 4 ounces mozzarella cubed
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • FOR THE KALE
  • ½ bunch kale stemmed, washed, and cut into thin strips
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves torn, optional
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest optional
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil optional
  • 1 tablespoon parmesan optional

Instructions
 

For the Risotto

  • Preheat the oven to 425F. Place the berries on a sheet of parchment paper and roast for 20 - 30 minutes until blueberries have burst and the strawberries are slightly dried out.
  • While the berries are roasting, make the risotto. Add the pancetta to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook for 5 - 10 minutes until fat has rendered and pancetta is crispy. Remove the pancetta to a paper towel to drain. Leave the drippings and fat in the pan. If there are very little drippings, add a drizzle of oil to the pan.
  • Add the onion to the pancetta drippings and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened, then add the rice. Stir to coat and slightly toast, about 2 minutes more.
  • Working in batches, add the stock about 2 ladles at a time. Increase the heat to medium-high, and stir the stock into the rice until absorbed, then add more stock/water. Taste about halfway through for saltiness. If the rice isn't very salty, add more stock. If the rice is very salty, add water for a few rounds.
  • When the rice is cooked through, after about 25 minutes, add the pancetta, butter, and most of the berries to the risotto. Fold in carefully and taste: add salt and pepper to your preference.
  • Top the risotto with mozzarella cubes, extra berries, and kale, if desired.

For the Kale

  • Add salt and lemon juice to kale. Add any other of the optional ingredients. Using your fingers, mix together for a minute or two to incorporate seasonings into the kale. Let sit for a few minutes until ready to use. This kale can be made the day in advance as well.

Notes

  • Two options for the kale - doctor it as much or as little as you'd like!
  • To save time, I start the berries in the oven, then the risotto. Once I get to the add stock, stir, repeat part of the risotto, I cube the cheese and prep the kale. The entire meal comes together in less than an hour!

Nutrition

Serving: 4g
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