Saffron Risotto with Brussels Sprouts & Parmesan Cheese

Saffron Risotto

with Brussels Sprouts & Parmesan Cheese

30 MIN
+$0.95/serving 2 Servings
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Coming in at 600 calories or less per serving, these recipes are ideal for those choosing to monitor their caloric intake without sacrificing flavor. The US Food & Drug Administration uses 2000 calorie daily intake for general advice. The 600 calorie cap equates to 30% of the total 2000 calories per day based on 3 meals per day with 200 calories remaining for snack or beverage.
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    From the Test Kitchen

    We’re taking a comfort food favorite, risotto (a classic Italian dish of rice slow-cooked in liquid until creamy and al dente) and adding creamy mascarpone cheese for rich flavor, plus a topping of crispy roasted brussels sprouts for delightful textural contrast.
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    • Nutrition
      PER SERVING
    • Calories
      820 Cals (est.)
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    fresh
    ingredients
    Saffron Risotto with Brussels Sprouts & Parmesan Cheese
    Title
    • 3 oz Diced Pancetta
    • 1 cup Carnaroli Rice
    • ½ lb Brussels Sprouts
    • 2 cloves Garlic
    • 1 Shallot
    • 1 Lemon
    • 1 oz Salted Butter
    • 1 pinch Saffron
    • ¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
    • ¼ tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
    • 2 Tbsps Mascarpone Cheese
    time-saving
    tips & techniques
    Prepare the ingredients
    1 Prepare the ingredients

    Place an oven rack in the center of the oven; preheat to 450°F. Wash dry the fresh produce. Peel and finely chop the shallot. Peel and roughly chop 2 cloves of garlic. Combine the chopped shallot and chopped garlic in a bowl. Quarter and deseed the lemon. Cut off and discard the stem ends of the brussels sprouts; quarter lengthwise.

    Cook the shallot
    2 Cook the shallot

    In a medium pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the chopped shallot and garlic and as much of the red pepper flakes as you’d like, depending on how spicy you’d like the dish to be. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, 2 to 3 minutes, or until slightly softened.

    Make the risotto
    3 Make the risotto

    To the pot of cooked shallot, add the rice, saffron, and 3 cups of water (carefully, as the liquid may splatter); season with salt and pepper. Heat to boiling on high. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring occasionally, 15 to 17 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is al dente (still slightly firm to the bite). Turn off the heat. Add the butter, mascarpone, and the juice of 2 lemon wedges; stir until thoroughly combined and the butter is melted. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired.

    Roast the brussels sprouts & serve your dish
    4 Roast the brussels sprouts & serve your dish

    Meanwhile, place the quartered brussels sprouts on a sheet pan. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat; arrange in an even layer on one side of the sheet pan. Place the pancetta on the other side of the sheet pan. Roast 13 to 15 minutes, or until the brussels sprouts are browned and tender when pierced with a fork and the pancetta is cooked through. Remove from the oven. Carefully top the roasted brussels sprouts with the juice of the remaining lemon wedges. Serve the risotto topped with the roasted brussels sprouts and cooked pancetta. Garnish with the parmesan. Enjoy!

    Tips from Home Chefs

    Prepare the ingredients
    1 Prepare the ingredients

    Place an oven rack in the center of the oven; preheat to 450°F. Wash dry the fresh produce. Peel and finely chop the shallot. Peel and roughly chop 2 cloves of garlic. Combine the chopped shallot and chopped garlic in a bowl. Quarter and deseed the lemon. Cut off and discard the stem ends of the brussels sprouts; quarter lengthwise.

    2 Cook the shallot

    In a medium pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the chopped shallot and garlic and as much of the red pepper flakes as you’d like, depending on how spicy you’d like the dish to be. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, 2 to 3 minutes, or until slightly softened.

    Cook the shallot
    Make the risotto
    3 Make the risotto

    To the pot of cooked shallot, add the rice, saffron, and 3 cups of water (carefully, as the liquid may splatter); season with salt and pepper. Heat to boiling on high. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring occasionally, 15 to 17 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is al dente (still slightly firm to the bite). Turn off the heat. Add the butter, mascarpone, and the juice of 2 lemon wedges; stir until thoroughly combined and the butter is melted. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired.

    4 Roast the brussels sprouts & serve your dish

    Meanwhile, place the quartered brussels sprouts on a sheet pan. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat; arrange in an even layer on one side of the sheet pan. Place the pancetta on the other side of the sheet pan. Roast 13 to 15 minutes, or until the brussels sprouts are browned and tender when pierced with a fork and the pancetta is cooked through. Remove from the oven. Carefully top the roasted brussels sprouts with the juice of the remaining lemon wedges. Serve the risotto topped with the roasted brussels sprouts and cooked pancetta. Garnish with the parmesan. Enjoy!

    Roast the brussels sprouts & serve your dish
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