Spring Risotto Night Recipes
Rich with comforting flavors, yet bright with spring ingredients, this week’s risotto-themed box is equally fit for a grand feast, or an intimate meal for two. Have fun experimenting in the kitchen with all the provisions for a lovely risotto crafted with our signature chicken stock and topped with imported Parmesan Reggiano and gorgeous vegetables like first-of-the-season asparagus, baby leeks, and carrots. Inside you’ll also find: Gruyère cheese bread, Sauk Farm’s apple cider, locally-crafted pickles, farm-fresh eggs, and beautiful spring greens like Bibb lettuces, arugula and a fresh salad mix. Enjoy!
Here are a few recipe ideas for the week:
Spring Risotto
This bright risotto showcases beautiful spring vegetables and hearty Arborio rice—just remember to keep stirring!
Sautéed Spring Vegetables
Lightly sautéed in butter and kissed with lemon juice, these crisp spring vegetables are wonderful served atop this week’s risotto.
Farro, Arugula & Apple Salad
Bright with radishes, apple and asparagus, this salad is a real stunner.
Herb-Shallot Dressing
This flavor-packed vinaigrette is fantastic with both grains and greens.
Garlic Confit
This mellow confit makes an amazing topping for pizza, pasta and crostini; or try a little dollop atop your risotto!
Roasted Cipollini Onions
These tender little onions are fabulous mixed into scrambled eggs.
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons butter
1 pounds Cipollini onions, peeled and trimmed
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Method:
1. Adjust oven rack to center position and preheat oven to 325°.
2. Melt butter in a large non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add onions and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to oven and roast, tossing occasionally, until deeply caramelized and tender, about 30 minutes.
Candied Squash Seeds
Great for snacking, scattering over salad or serving atop soup!
Ingredients:
1½ cups winter squash seeds
3 tablespoons olive oil
1½ tablespoons packed light brown sugar
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
Method:
1. Line a 9-by-13-inch rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Scoop the seeds out of the squash and into a large colander. Rinse seeds thoroughly under cold running water. Use your hands to separate any lingering squash flesh from the seeds. Shake off as much water as you can, then pat dry with paper towel. (If you have time, allow the seeds to sit out on the counter for a couple of hours to really get dry.)
3. Preheat the oven to 350°. Stir together the olive oil, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt in a medium mixing bowl, until completely combined. Add the seeds and toss to coat. Evenly spread the seeds in a single layer on the prepared pan.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the seeds are golden and crispy and begin to make popping sounds.
Variation: Once you master the method of preparing the seeds, feel free to play around the seasonings here. We love subbing out the cinnamon in favor of a rosemary-kissed Tuscan herb salt for a more savory flavor!
