Mushroom and Walnut Risotto with Arugula Pesto

Mushroom and Walnut Risotto with Arugula Pesto

DESCRIPTION

Hearty risotto with California walnuts is paired beautifully with a delicious arugula pesto for a show-stopping meal!

Total Time
1 Hr, 35 Mins
Serves
16
Meal
Dinner

Total Time

Prep Time
45 Mins
Cook Time
50 Mins
Total Time
1 Hr, 35 Mins

Nutrition

Calories
550 cal
Total Fat
42 g
Polyunsaturated Fat
16 g
Cholesterol
17 mg
Sodium
247 mg
Carbohydrates
35 g
Dietary Fiber
4 g
Protein
14 g

Ingredients

 Arugula Pesto
  • 6 cups arugula leaves, loosely packed
  • 3/4 cup California walnuts, coarsely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1/2 cup Parmigiano Reggiano (or Parmesan cheese, fresh), grated
  • 1/3 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Risotto
  • 3 portobello mushrooms, stem and gills removed, sliced into thin strips, or 1 cup porcini mushrooms
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 onion, small, minced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 3/4 cups Carnaroli rice (or Arborio rice)
  • 1/3 cup white wine
  • 6 1/4 cups chicken stock, salted, hot
  • 1 1/4 cups Parmigiano Reggiano (or Parmesan cheese, fresh), grated
  • 4 tablespoons butter, unsalted
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 cups California walnuts, coarsely chopped
  • 16 arugula leaves
  • 2 tomatoes, medium, seeded, diced

Preparation

  1. Remove and discard the stems from the arugula leaves to be used in the pesto and the risotto. Rinse well.
  2. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil and blanch arugula for 5 seconds.
  3. Drain and transfer to a bowl filled with ice water. After 1 minute, remove the leaves and squeeze dry with paper towel.
  4. Reserve 16 arugula leaves for the risotto. Set aside.
  5. Roughly chop the remaining leaves. Transfer to the bowl of a food processor.
  6. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  7. Spread the walnuts to be used in both the pesto and the risotto in one layer on a baking pan.
  8. Place the pan in the oven and bake until lightly browned, about 8 minutes.
  9. Remove from the oven and place 3/4 cup in the food processor bowl with the arugula. Transfer the remaining walnuts to a bowl and set aside.
  10. Add the garlic, Parmigiano Reggiano, and ricotta to the food processor bowl and turn the machine on.
  11. When the mixture is blended, with the motor still running, slowly pour the oil into the feed tube. Process until smooth and emulsified, about 1 minute.
  12. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  13. Reserve in a small squirt bottle at room temperature.
  14. Prepare the risotto: In a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  15. When hot, add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
  16. Remove from the heat, transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  17. In a large saucepan, combine the onion, garlic, and remaining olive oil and cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the onion is soft, about 10 minutes.
  18. Add the rice and “toast” it, stirring constantly for 1 minute.
  19. Add the white wine and cook, evaporating the liquid by half.
  20. Pour in 2 cups of the stock and cook at a low boil, stirring constantly, until the liquid is absorbed. Continue to add the stock to the rice, 2 cups at a time, until all of the stock has been added. After a total cooking time of about 15 minutes the rice should be moist and creamy.
  21. Remove from the heat and whip in the Parmigiano Reggiano and the butter.
  22. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  23. Fold in the reserved portobello mushrooms and walnuts.
  24. To serve, mound a portion of risotto in the center of each plate. Decoratively squeeze the Arugula Pesto around the base of the rice. Garnish with the diced tomatoes and a blanched arugula leaf.