February 03, 2023
Spelt Mushroom Risotto
This warm salad features:
- Spelt berries: Spelt is an ancient grain and source of healthy complex carbohydrates. Spelt berries are an excellent source of fiber, manganese, phosphorous, magnesium, and copper + also provides iron, zinc, and thiamine.
- Porcini Mushrooms: Porcini mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins, protein, copper, potassium, zinc and selenium. All essential minerals to a healthy diet. Porcini mushrooms are also rich in dietary fiber and are low in both saturated and unsaturated fat.
- Sugar Snap Peas: Sugar snap peas are a good source of riboflavin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, and a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, thiamin, folate, iron and manganese.
- Pecorino: This hard, Italian cheese from sheep's milk is rich in CLA (conjugated linoleic acid). The aged cheese is brighter in color with a more grassy flavor worth a slightly tangy sharp taste. This provides an ideal contrast with rich earthy flavors. Note that the more mature (older) a pecorino is, the sharper the tasting.
Ingredients
- tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ large yellow onion finely chopped (Roughly 1 Cup)
- 1 ½ cup Fusek Spelt Berries
- teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
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Place the chicken broth in medium saucepan and bring to a low simmer. Keep over very low heat.
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In a large Dutch oven (or heavy-bottomed pot), heat the butter over medium heat until melted and lightly bubbling. Add the onion, along with a generous sprinkle of kosher salt, and sauté over medium-low heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until the onion is soft and translucent.
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Increase the heat to high. Add the sliced mushrooms and stir to combine. After a minute or so, the mushrooms will begin to sweat and release their moisture. Continue cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have softened. Add the garlic and fresh thyme and sauté, stirring continuously, for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
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Add the spelt and toast over medium-high heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring continuously. The spelt will crackle lightly and the pan should be mostly dry.
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Add the white wine and cook over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring every so often, or until the wine has been completely absorbed. Add the pecorino rind (if using) and hot broth to the pot, stir to combine, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a steady simmer, cover, and cook for 45 to 50 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes or so, or until the spelt is tender (it will naturally be slightly chewy in center) and the risotto is thick.
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Tip: Remove the lid in the final 5 to 10 minutes of cooking, which promotes thickening and helps me more easily monitor the texture (i.e. if a fair amount of liquid is remaining, you can increase the heat slightly to reduce, etc.).
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Over low heat, add the grated pecorino cheese and lemon juice and stir to combine. Fold in the thawed peas. Season to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. If the risotto tastes at all flat, you most likely need to add another generous sprinkle or two of salt.
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Remove the pot from heat, cover, and allow the risotto to sit for 5 minutes before serving. This extra step helps thicken and release additional starches, and in my experience, results in an improved and more creamy ‘classic risotto-like’ texture. Remove and discard the pecorino rind, if using.
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Serve the risotto in pre-warmed bowls to keep risotto from cooling to quickly. Garnish with fresh green leaves or finely chopped parsley for color, and freshly grated pecorino cheese, as desired.