Fennel risotto with pistachios

6 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2cupsChicken broth, combined with
1 cup water
1tablespoonButter or margarine
2tablespoonsOlive oil
1cupFinely chopped onion
1mediumFennel bulb, coarsely
Chopped
1mediumRed bell pepper, coarsely
Chopped
2mediumsCloves garlic, minced
cupArborio rice
cupShelled pistachios, coarsely
Chopped
Freshly ground black pepper
To taste
¼cupGrated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Heat the broth-water combination over medium-low heat. Keep warm.

2. In a large skillet, preferably nonstick, or large pot, heat the butter and oil over medium heat until hot. Add the onion, fennel and red pepper; saute 5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute an additional minute.

3. Stir in the rice and cook, stirring 2 minutes. Slowly start to add the liquid, about a ladleful at a time. Cook, covered, over medium-low heat, 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the liquid slowly and stir often. Wait until the liquid has been absorbed each time before adding the next ladleful. Repeat the cooking process, covered, 10 minutes.

4. Uncover and continue adding the liquid and stirring often. The risotto should cook about 30 minutes. The finished risotto should be creamy, with a little chewiness at the center of the rice.

5. Add the pistachios, pepper and Parmesan to the finished risotto, stirring until blended.

Data per serving: Calories.....324 Carbohydrates.....49g Monounsaturated fat....6g Protein.......8g Sodium..........772mg Polyunsaturated fat....1g Fat..........11g Saturated fat......3g Cholesterol...........8mg