FRESH FIG AND COUNTRY HAM RISOTTO
- PREP TIME: 10 minutes
- COOK TIME: 30 minutes
- YIELDS: 4 main course servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- ¼ cup diced country ham
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- ½ cup white wine
- 2 cups fresh figs, quartered
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese + more for garnish
To me, fresh figs are one of the most perfect foods and risotto is often times thought of as a difficult dish. I have paired southern, country ham with fresh figs in a simple recipe anyone can prepare.
Instructions
FIRST Combine stock and water in a medium saucepan, bring to a simmer, and keep warm over low heat.
NEXT Melt butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and ham and sauté until tender, about 6 minutes. Add rosemary and rice and cook for one minute, stirring constantly. Stir in wine and cook for 2-3 minutes until liquid is absorbed, stirring constantly. ½ cup at a time, ladle warm broth into risotto and stir for about 2 minutes or until each portion of liquid is absorbed. Halfway through cooking, stir in figs, and continue adding the remaining stock until the risotto is creamy and the rice is tender, but has a slight resistance to the bite, 20 to 25 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese.
LAST Spoon risotto into four dishes, garnish with extra cheese, and serve.
