Experience the delightful blend of textures and flavours with this Celery and Blue Cheese Risotto. This dish combines the refreshing crunch of celery with the robust, tangy essence of blue cheese. Not only does it feature top-notch ingredients, but it also comes together swiftly, making it an ideal choice for those who crave a delicious meal without the long wait. Each spoonful offers a flavour explosion in mere minutes, making this risotto a standout.
A Closer Look at the Risotto Ingredients
Celery
Celery adds a refreshing crunch to this risotto. It's not only a flavour enhancer but also provides a delightful textural contrast to the creamy rice. Rich in vitamins and minerals, celery is a healthy addition to any dish.
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is the star of this dish, offering a bold and tangy flavour. Varieties such as Stilton or Dolcelatte melt beautifully into the risotto, creating a creamy texture and a rich taste. The cheese's distinctive flavour complements the mildness of the celery and the sweetness of the peas.
Arborio Rice
Arborio rice is essential for making a classic risotto. Its high starch content is key to achieving the creamy consistency that characterises this Italian dish. When cooked slowly and stirred often, Arborio rice releases its starch, blending with the stock to create a luxurious, velvety texture.
White Wine
A good-quality white wine, such as Falanghina, adds a layer of sophistication to the risotto. The wine's acidity helps to balance the richness of the blue cheese and the creaminess of the rice. It also imparts a subtle fruity note that enhances the overall flavour of the dish.
Vegetable Stock
Using hot vegetable stock ensures that the risotto cooks evenly and develops a rich, savoury depth. The stock infuses the rice with flavour as it gradually absorbs the liquid, creating a dish that is both hearty and satisfying.
Mushrooms
Chestnut mushrooms bring an earthy note to the risotto. Their umami flavour pairs perfectly with the tangy blue cheese and the fresh celery, adding complexity to the dish. Mushrooms also contribute to the risotto's overall texture, providing a meaty bite that contrasts with the creaminess of the rice.
Peas
Frozen peas are a convenient addition that brings a pop of sweetness and colour to the risotto. They cook quickly and maintain their vibrant green hue, adding a visual appeal to the dish. Peas also offer a slight crunch that enhances the overall texture.
Celery and Blue Cheese Risotto Recipe
Serves: 2
Total Time: 20-30 Minutes
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 tbsp garlic-infused extra virgin olive oil
2 onions, finely chopped
5 celery stalks, chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
200g (7oz) small chestnut mushrooms, sliced
275g (10oz) Arborio rice
250ml (9fl oz) white wine, preferably Falanghina
750ml (1½ pints) hot vegetable stock
150g (5½oz) frozen peas
115g (4oz) blue cheese (such as Stilton or Dolcelatte), coarsely grated or crumbled into chunks
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method
Cook the Vegetables: Heat the garlic-infused olive oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add the chopped onions and celery, frying for 4-5 minutes until softened. Then, add the crushed garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for another 2-3 minutes before stirring in the Arborio rice.
Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent the rice and vegetables from sticking.
Incorporate Stock: Gradually add the hot vegetable stock, one ladle at a time, ensuring each addition is absorbed before adding more. This process should take approximately 15-20 minutes.
Add Peas and Cheese: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for a few minutes. Turn off the heat and mix in the blue cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then let the risotto rest for 2 minutes until the cheese melts.
Serve: Serve the risotto immediately while hot.
Serving Suggestions for the Risotto
Complement the rich and savoury notes of the Celery and Blue Cheese Risotto with these delightful sides:
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roast Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese until golden and crispy. Their nutty flavour enhances the risotto's depth.
Pear and Walnut Salad: Mix sliced pears, rocket, and toasted walnuts in a light vinaigrette. The pears' sweetness and walnuts' crunch provide a perfect counterpoint to the blue cheese's richness.
Grilled Asparagus: Grill asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and a splash of lemon juice. The slightly charred taste and citrus hint cut through the risotto's creaminess.
Herbed Focaccia Bread: Serve slices of herbed focaccia for soaking up any remaining risotto. The bread's aromatic herbs beautifully complement the dish's flavours.
Mixed Green Salad with Pomegranate Seeds: Create a vibrant salad with mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, and a simple vinaigrette. The fresh burst and sweetness from the pomegranate seeds balance the risotto's richness.
Tips for Perfect Risotto
Consistent Stirring
Stirring the risotto frequently is crucial for releasing the rice's starch and achieving a creamy texture. It also prevents the rice from sticking to the pan and ensures that it cooks evenly.
Gradual Stock Addition
Adding the stock gradually, one ladle at a time, allows the rice to absorb the liquid slowly. This method helps develop the risotto's creamy consistency and ensures that the flavours are fully integrated.
Resting the Risotto
Letting the risotto rest for a couple of minutes after adding the cheese allows the flavours to meld together and the cheese to melt completely. This final step enhances the dish's overall creaminess and flavour.
Your Turn to Make this Celery and Blue Cheese Risotto Recipe
Enjoy a delectable Celery and Blue Cheese Risotto that will delight your taste buds! The creamy blue cheese and crisp celery create a flavourful harmony in each bite. The use of authentic, high-quality ingredients, like Arborio rice and Falanghina wine, elevates this quick and tasty dish, transforming a simple recipe into a gourmet experience! Whether you are a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.