Best 5 Green Risotto With Pesto Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary symphony of flavors with our Green Risotto with Pesto, a delightful vegetarian dish that harmonizes the vibrant notes of fresh herbs, creamy risotto, and tangy pesto. This symphony of textures and tastes is sure to tantalize your palate, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.

In this article, we bring you a comprehensive guide to crafting this delectable dish, featuring two variations: a traditional Green Risotto with Pesto and an innovative Roasted Red Pepper Pesto Risotto. Both recipes are meticulously crafted to guide you through each step, ensuring you achieve a creamy, flavorful risotto that perfectly complements the aromatic pesto.

Our traditional Green Risotto with Pesto recipe captures the essence of this classic dish, using fresh basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese to create a vibrant, herbaceous pesto. The risotto is cooked to perfection, resulting in a creamy, al dente texture that pairs harmoniously with the pesto's bold flavors.

For those seeking a twist on the classic, our Roasted Red Pepper Pesto Risotto offers a delightful variation. Roasted red peppers add a smoky, sweet depth to the pesto, while sun-dried tomatoes contribute a tangy, umami note. The combination of flavors creates a complex, well-rounded dish that will leave you craving more.

Whether you prefer the traditional Green Risotto with Pesto or the innovative Roasted Red Pepper Pesto Risotto, this article provides all the guidance you need to create a culinary masterpiece. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your kitchen, and embark on a journey of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you with a memorable dining experience.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

RISOTTO WITH PESTO AND PEAS



Risotto With Pesto and Peas image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Kosher salt
3 leeks (white and light green parts only), thinly sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
3/4 cup diced ham
3/4 cup prepared pesto
1 cup small fresh mozzarella balls or diced fresh mozzarella
1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • Make the broth: Bring 6 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook until tender, 3 to 4 minutes; remove with a slotted spoon to a bowl. Adjust the heat to keep the broth at a gentle simmer.
  • Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon butter in a wide saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add the wine and cook, stirring, until almost evaporated, about 1 more minute.
  • Add 2 cups of the hot leek broth to the rice; cook, stirring occasionally, until almost absorbed, about 6 minutes (adjust the heat to keep the risotto at a simmer). Add 1 more cup broth and cook, stirring, until almost absorbed, about 5 more minutes. Add the leeks, peas and 1 more cup broth and cook, stirring, until almost absorbed, about 5 more minutes. Taste the rice: If it is not fully cooked, add a little more broth and continue to cook, stirring, until al dente.
  • Stir in the ham and remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Remove from the heat; stir in 2/3 cup pesto, the mozzarella and Parmesan. Season with salt. Divide among bowls and top with the remaining pesto.

PESTO RISOTTO WITH FALL GREENS



Pesto Risotto with Fall Greens image

Sycamore Grove/Australian Jade: These shades of green echo fall forests and the dark leafy greens that taste especially delicious in autumn.

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 45m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 (1-quart) containers low-sodium chicken broth
12 ounces green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch lengths
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, very finely chopped
Kosher salt
4 cups Arborio rice
2 cups dry white wine
1 (7-ounce) container basil pesto
1 (8-ounce) container mascarpone cheese, room temperature.
2 cups baby kale leaves
2 ounces Parmesan cheese, shaved

Steps:

  • Bring the broth to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the green beans and cook until just bright green and crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl with a slotted spoon. Reduce the heat under the broth to low to keep steaming. Melt the butter in a large saucepot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until almost translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring, until evenly coated and very lightly toasted, about 2 minutes. Add the wine and boil until all the liquid evaporates. Add 1 cup of the hot broth and cook, stirring, until all the liquid is absorbed. Repeat with the remaining broth, stirring continuously, adding 1 cup at a time, and letting each addition absorb before adding the next. The whole process will take about 30 minutes, at which point, the rice should be just tender. Remove from the heat and fold in the pesto until evenly distributed. Season to taste with salt. Immediately divide among serving bowls and top with a dollop of mascarpone, baby kale leaves, and shaved Parmesan. Serve hot.

RISOTTO WITH HERB PESTO, POTATO, AND GREEN BEANS



Risotto with Herb Pesto, Potato, and Green Beans image

Pesto and potatoes are traditionally tossed with a short, twisty pasta called trofie in the Liguria region of Italy. Stirring them into risotto is a revelation, especially as the weather cools and you want something cozier for dinner. You might be surprised by the blend of potato and rice in the recipe but give it a minute. The cut-up spud has an initial firmness that gives way to lusciousness, and is the perfect complement to the silky carnaroli rice.

Provided by Lauryn Tyrell

Categories     Rice Recipes

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 tablespoons pine nuts or walnuts, toasted
1 small clove garlic
4 cups packed fresh basil leaves
1 cup packed fresh parsley leaves
Kosher salt (we use Diamond Crystal) and freshly ground pepper
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, and more for drizzling
8 ounces green beans, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (2 cups)
1 Yukon Gold potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (1 1/2 cups)
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
1 small onion, finely chopped (1 cup)
1 cup short-grain risotto rice, such as carnaroli or arborio
1/4 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio
1/2 ounce Parmigiano-Reggiano, finely grated (1/2 cup), plus more for serving

Steps:

  • Pulse pine nuts, garlic, and herbs in a food processor until finely chopped. Season with salt and pepper; with motor running, stream in 1/3 cup oil until combined. Season to taste.
  • Bring a pot of water to a boil and season with salt. Add green beans and cook until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Using a spider or slotted spoon, transfer to a plate. Add potato to pot and simmer until tender but not falling apart, about 6 minutes; drain.
  • In same pot, combine broth, 2 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and maintain a bare simmer, partially covered (to avoid evaporation).
  • Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large straight-sided skillet over medium. Add onion and a pinch of salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add rice and cook, stirring, until translucent and grains begin to make a popping sound, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in wine; cook until mostly evaporated, about 30 seconds.
  • Ladle about 1 cup broth mixture into skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until most of broth has been absorbed and bottom of skillet stays visible for a second or two as you mix, 2 to 3 minutes. Continue ladling broth into skillet, about 1/2 cup at a time (or enough to just cover rice), stirring often and allowing rice to absorb most of broth before adding more, 15 to 20 minutes. When rice is cooked through but still al dente and sauce has thickened, stir in 1/2 cup pesto, green beans, and potato; cook just until heated through, about 1 minute.
  • Remove from heat and add cheese, a good drizzle of oil, and a few spoonfuls of remaining broth. Stir vigorously to create a silky sauce. Check seasoning and stir in more pesto, if desired. Serve with a drizzle of oil, topped with more cheese and pepper.

VEGETABLE RISOTTO WITH PESTO



Vegetable Risotto With Pesto image

Just came up with this one from some stuff lying around the house. It turned out to be tasty, so I decided to share it with you. Let me know what you think!

Provided by Myra9035

Categories     Short Grain Rice

Time 40m

Yield 2-4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup risotto rice (don't substitute regular rice!)
2 1/2 cups chicken stock or 2 1/2 cups vegetable stock
1 tablespoon butter
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 zucchini, chopped
1/3 cup peas (thawed if frozen)
1/2 cup mushroom, sliced
2 -3 tablespoons red pesto sauce (fresh if possible)
parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Begin by melting the butter in a large saucepan or wok.
  • Add the onion and fry for a few minutes.
  • Add the pepper to the onion and fry for another two or three minutes.
  • Turn the heat down to medium-low.
  • Add the rice and stir to coat.
  • The rice grains should turn from cloudy to clear.
  • Begin adding the bouillon, about 1/4 cup at a time.
  • It's important to keep stirring, as the rice will absorb the liquid quickly and could burn if left unattended.
  • After about 10 minutes, add the chopped tomato and the zucchini.
  • After 20 minutes add the mushrooms.
  • Continue to add bouillon when the rice has absorbed it.
  • After about 25 minutes add the peas.
  • The bouillon should be just about up by now.
  • The rice usually takes about 25-30 minutes to finish cooking.
  • To test for doneness, take a bite.
  • It could be a bit chewy, but shouldn't be really hard.
  • After the bouillon has been used up and the rice is done, stir in the pesto.
  • Mix well.
  • You can add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Mixing in some extra grated parmesan makes the rice a bit creamier.
  • Top with a bit of parmesan, if desired.
  • Serve with a nice crusty bread.
  • For Vegetarian use the Vegetable Stock.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 363.5, Fat 10.1, SaturatedFat 4.8, Cholesterol 24.3, Sodium 482.4, Carbohydrate 55.2, Fiber 4.9, Sugar 13.9, Protein 14

RISOTTO WITH ASPARAGUS AND PESTO



Risotto with Asparagus and Pesto image

The last step in most of my risottos is to stir in a final ladleful of stock and some Parmesan cheese. This time, I also stirred in some pesto, which enriches the risotto deliciously, and also dresses it up with flecks of green. The risotto would also work with green beans or peas, or with no added vegetable at all.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     main course

Time 30m

Yield Serves 4 to 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

7 cups well-seasoned chicken or vegetable stock
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup minced onion
Salt to taste
1 1/2 cups arborio rice
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine such as pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc
3/4 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut in 1-inch lengths
1/4 to 1/3 cup pesto, to taste
2 to 4 tablespoons Parmesan, to taste

Steps:

  • Put well-seasoned stock or broth into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over low heat, with a ladle nearby or in the pot.
  • Heat olive oil over medium heat in a wide, heavy nonstick skillet or a wide, heavy saucepan. Add onion and a generous pinch of salt, and cook gently until it is just tender, about 3 minutes. Do not brown.
  • Stir in rice and garlic and stir until the grains separate and begin to crackle. Add wine and stir until it is no longer visible in the pan. Begin adding simmering stock, a couple of ladlefuls (about 1/2 cup) at a time. The stock should just cover rice and should be bubbling, not too slowly but not too quickly. Cook, stirring often, until it is just about absorbed. Add another ladleful or two of the stock and continue to cook in this fashion, adding more stock and stirring when rice is almost dry. You do not have to stir continually, but stir often. After 10 minutes, add asparagus and continue to stir and add stock for another 10 to 15 minutes, until rice is cooked through but still al dente.
  • Add another ladleful of stock to the rice. Stir in pesto and additional cheese and remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning. Mix should be creamy (add more stock if it isn't). Serve right away in wide soup bowls or on plates, spreading risotto in a thin layer rather than a mound.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 425, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 55 grams, Fat 14 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 15 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 1035 milligrams, Sugar 6 grams

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients. The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the taste of your risotto. Use fresh, flavorful vegetables, a creamy Arborio rice, and a rich, flavorful pesto.
  • Toast the rice before cooking. Toasting the rice helps to develop its flavor and gives the risotto a nutty, toasted flavor.
  • Cook the rice slowly and patiently. Risotto takes time to cook, so don't rush the process. Cook the rice over low heat, stirring frequently, until it is creamy and tender.
  • Use a good quality vegetable broth. The vegetable broth you use will also impact the flavor of your risotto. Use a broth that is flavorful and has a good balance of salt and pepper.
  • Add the pesto at the end of cooking. Adding the pesto at the end of cooking will help to preserve its bright, vibrant flavor.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Fresh herbs and grated Parmesan cheese add a touch of flavor and color to your risotto.

Conclusion:

Green risotto with pesto is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. With its creamy texture, vibrant green color, and nutty flavor, this risotto is sure to please everyone at the table.

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