Creamy Fava Bean and Smoky Bacon Risotto
Indulge in the comforting embrace of Creamy Fava Bean and Smoky Bacon Risotto, a delightful one-dish meal that marries the earthiness of fava beans with the rich, smoky flavor of Canadian bacon. This risotto not only captivates your palate but also provides a complete protein source, making it a nutritious option for any meal. Ideal for a cozy dinner or a fancy occasion, this recipe from The Natural Menopause Cookbook brings a touch of gourmet dining into your home while being incredibly easy to prepare. Each creamy spoonful is a perfect balance of taste and texture, topped with freshly shaved Parmesan for that extra touch of decadence.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
fava beans
1 2/3 cups (frozen)
butter
1 tablespoon (unsalted)
onion
1 (finely chopped)
smoked Canadian bacon
4 slices (rind removed, roughly chopped)
arborio rice
2/3 cup (uncooked)
hot chicken stock
2 1/4 cups (kept warm)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (freshly grated)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Parmesan cheese
to garnish (shavings)
Instructions
1
In a saucepan of lightly salted boiling water, cook the frozen fava beans for 2-3 minutes until tender. Drain them and plunge them into ice-cold water to halt the cooking process. Once cooled, peel away and discard the outer shells, and set the beans aside.
2
In a heavy saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the chopped onion and smokey Canadian bacon, cooking for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
3
Stir in the arborio rice and fava beans, cooking for another 1-2 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb those wonderful flavors.
4
Begin adding the hot chicken stock gradually, just enough to cover the rice. Stir frequently, allowing the stock to be absorbed before adding more. Continue this process until the rice is cooked through and creamy, which should take about 18-20 minutes.
5
Once the risotto reaches your desired creaminess and the rice is tender, remove it from heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
6
Serve immediately, garnished with shavings of Parmesan cheese for an elegant presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Fava Bean and Smoky Bacon Risotto?
It is a comforting one-dish meal that combines earthy fava beans with the rich, smoky flavor of Canadian bacon in a creamy arborio rice base.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for frozen fava beans.
How should the fava beans be prepared before adding them to the risotto?
The frozen fava beans should be boiled for 2-3 minutes, plunged into ice-cold water, and then peeled to remove the outer shells.
What type of rice is recommended for this dish?
Arborio rice is the specific variety used to achieve the desired creamy texture.
What meat is used in this risotto?
The recipe uses smoked Canadian bacon with the rind removed and roughly chopped.
Is this risotto recipe considered nutritious?
Yes, it provides a complete protein source and is featured in The Natural Menopause Cookbook.
How much butter is needed?
One tablespoon of unsalted butter is required.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be finely chopped before being cooked in butter.
What is the secret to making the risotto creamy?
Adding hot chicken stock gradually and stirring frequently allows the rice to release its starch and become creamy.
How long does the rice take to cook?
The process of adding stock and stirring takes about 18-20 minutes.
What kind of stock should I use?
The recipe specifies 2 1/4 cups of hot chicken stock kept warm.
When should the fava beans be added to the rice?
The fava beans are stirred in with the arborio rice and cooked for 1-2 minutes before adding the stock.
What cheese is used in the risotto?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is stirred into the rice, and additional shavings are used for garnish.
How do I garnish this dish?
Serve the risotto immediately with shavings of Parmesan cheese on top.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is described as incredibly easy to prepare while offering a gourmet dining experience.
What seasonings are recommended?
Salt and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper are used to season the dish to taste.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter, but you can use salted and adjust the added salt accordingly.
What temperature should the chicken stock be when adding it to the rice?
The chicken stock should be hot and kept warm throughout the cooking process.
How long should I cook the onion and bacon?
They should be cooked over low heat for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
Why do I need to plunge the fava beans into ice water?
This process, known as shocking, halts the cooking process to keep the beans tender.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients listed in the recipe.
Can this be served for special occasions?
Yes, it is ideal for a fancy occasion or a cozy gourmet dinner at home.
Should the bacon be chopped?
Yes, the Canadian bacon should be roughly chopped before cooking.
Do I add all the chicken stock at once?
No, the stock should be added gradually, allowing it to be absorbed before adding more.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The risotto should be creamy with tender rice grains.
What happens if I don't peel the fava beans?
The outer shells can be tough; discarding them ensures a better texture for the risotto.
Is this a traditional Italian dish?
Yes, it is tagged as Italian cuisine.
How much rice is used?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup of uncooked arborio rice.
What kind of pepper is best for this recipe?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor.
What is the main source of smokiness in the recipe?
The smoky flavor comes from the four slices of smoked Canadian bacon.