Tag Archives: cheaters risotto

Risotto 101

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Risotto, a classic Italian dish where a short grain rice is cooked slowly in broth, is a wonderful and versatile vegetarian main course or a great side dish.   Once you have the basics of risotto-making, you can use risotto as a venue for all kinds of vegetables and vegetable combinations.  Mushrooms and spring vegetables are common themes for many risottos, but you can certainly branch out and get creative.  I love making a carrot and ginger risotto with coconut milk, or (as below) a beautiful red beet risotto.

 beet risotto

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Herb Crusted Halibut with Summer Vegetable “Cheaters” Risotto

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Herb Crusted Halibut on Summer Vegetable Risotto
Herb Crusted Halibut on Summer Vegetable Risotto
Print Recipe

Halibut With Summer Vegetable Risotto

Light fish, summer herbs and vegetables, and what I consider a "cheaters" risotto because you don't have to stand over the stove stirring it. Perfect for summer produce and temperatures. A salad with stone fruit(s) and basil with a light vinaigrette is a great seasonal compliment.
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Risotto

  • 2 ears of sweet corn white, yellow or marbled removed from the cob
  • 2 TBSP earth balance*
  • 1 TBSP olive oil
  • 1/2 medium sweet onion finley diced
  • 1 large clove garlic minced
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup arborio rice
  • 2-3 cups vegetable broth**
  • 4 TBSP torn fresh basil plus extra for garnish 2 TBSP for risotto and 2 TBSP for halibut
  • 4 TBSP finely sliced scallions green parts only (2 TBSP for risotto and 2 TBSP for halibut)
  • 2 TBSP minced fresh parsley 1 TBSP for risotto and 1 TBSP for halibut
  • 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatos halved
  • 1/2 small zuchinni diced (optional)
  • juice of 1/4 lemon

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • Divide corn kernels in half and place one half in blender or food processor with a little water to make a creamy corn mixture; reserve remaining corn kernels.
  • Heat butter and olive oil over medium heat; add onion and garlic and sautee for 2-3 minutes or until onions are translucent.
  • Add rice and cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast
  • Add white wine, salt and pepper and cook for 2-3 more minutes.
  • Add pureed corn and 2 1/2 cups of broth; cover pan, and put in preheated oven for 15 minutes.
  • After 15 minutes have passed, check pan and stir in remaining corn. If most of the broth has been absorbed, add more. Cover, and return to oven for 15 more minutes.
  • Remove pan from oven, stir to remove rice from the bottom and sides of pan and add half of the basil, scallions, and parsley.
  • Add tomatos, re-cover and set aside.

For the Halibut

  • 4 portions of halibut, skin removed (4-6 oz per serving)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 TBSP Wildwood garlic aioli***

Instructions

  • Reduce oven temperature to 400 degrees.
  • In a small bowl, mix together panko, remaining half of herbs and aioli.
  • Place halibut filets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and top with breadcrumb mixture.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes until halibut is opaque and firm to the touch.
  • Serve halibut on risotto garnished with basil.

Notes

* margarine or butter can be substituted
**if you would like a richer risotto, substitute 1/2 cup of the broth with cashew cream, cream, or milk
***you can substitute vegan or regular mayonnaise just add 1 clove of minced garlic for flavor