Lemon, basil and ricotta risotto

Indulge in the creamy and vibrant flavors of this Lemon, Basil, and Ricotta Risotto. Made with zesty lemon zest, smooth ricotta cheese, and a touch of fragrant basil, this comforting dish features a rich vegetable broth base, tender rice, and a splash of white wine. Perfect for a delightful dinner that captures the essence of fresh and wholesome ingredients.

  • 28 Mar 2025
  • Cook time 40 min
  • Prep time 15 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 10 Ingredients

Lemon, basil and ricotta risotto

Lemon, basil, and ricotta risotto is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines the tangy freshness of lemon with the aromatic punch of basil and the comforting texture of ricotta cheese. It's an Italian classic that can be served as a main course or a side dish, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy meal at home.

Ingredients:

4 cups vegetable broth
920g
2 tbsp olive oil
27g
1 red onion
160g
1 stalk celery
130g
1 cup white rice
230g
1 cup white wine
230g
2 tbsp lemon zest
30g
1 tbsp lemon juice
5g
1/4 cup butter
54g
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
120g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broth:
- Heat the vegetable broth in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep it warm over low heat.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped red onion and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Toast the Rice:
- Add the Arborio rice to the pan with the onion and celery. Stir continuously to coat the rice with the oil and lightly toast it for about 2 minutes.
4. Deglaze with Wine:
- Pour in the white wine and stir until it is completely absorbed by the rice.
5. Cook the Risotto:
- Begin adding the warm vegetable broth to the rice mixture one ladle at a time, stirring continuously. Wait until each ladle of broth is almost completely absorbed before adding the next.
- Continue this process until the rice is creamy and cooked to al dente, about 18-20 minutes.
6. Finish with Lemon and Cheese:
- Once the rice is cooked, stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and butter until fully incorporated.
- Gently fold in the ricotta cheese.
7. Season and Serve:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Tips:

- Use a high-quality vegetable broth to enhance the flavor of the risotto.

- Ensure all ingredients are prepped and measured before starting to cook, as risotto requires constant attention and stirring.

- When adding the broth, do so gradually and allow each addition to be fully absorbed before adding more. This helps achieve the creamy texture characteristic of risotto.

- Use a wooden spoon to stir the risotto, as it helps prevent the rice from breaking.

- If you prefer a stronger lemon taste, you can add more lemon zest or a little extra lemon juice to taste.

- Make sure to adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper at the end of cooking, after tasting the risotto.

- For even creamier risotto, consider adding a splash of cream or a bit more butter towards the end of cooking.

This Lemon, Basil, and Ricotta Risotto is a delightful combination of zesty lemon, fragrant basil, and creamy ricotta cheese that will surely elevate your meal. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish offers a sophisticated yet comforting flavor profile that is sure to impress.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size480 grams
Energy
Calories 430kcal22%
Protein
Protein 9g6%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 54g16%
Fiber 2.14g6%
Sugar 4.82g5%
Fat
Fat 20g25%
Saturated 9g29%
Cholesterol 40mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 170ug19%
Choline 18mg3%
Vitamin B1 0.42mg35%
Vitamin B2 0.17mg13%
Vitamin B3 2.90mg18%
Vitamin B6 0.22mg13%
Vitamin B9 160ug39%
Vitamin B12 0.08ug3%
Vitamin C 6mg6%
Vitamin E 0.18mg1%
Vitamin K 13ug10%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 130mg10%
Copper, Cu 0.19mg22%
Iron, Fe 3.07mg28%
Magnesium, Mg 36mg8%
Phosphorus, P 160mg13%
Potassium, K 350mg10%
Selenium, Se 14ug25%
Sodium, Na 740mg49%
Zinc, Zn 1.27mg12%
Water
Water 370g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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