No wine required! This super-delicious Caramelized-Onion Risotto with Vegan Pesto is the answer to what you should make for dinner. Make it with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry! Pair with grilled vegetables for an AMAZING meal!
PLUS I share the ingredients you need to have in your pantry to cook delicious Italian meals!
Here’s the recipe:
For the Caramelized Onions:
3 medium onions, sliced into half moons
3 Tbsp olive oil
1. Heat the olive oil in the pan, then add the sliced onions.
2. Cook over medium-low to medium heat, stirring frequently, for 25 minutes, or until onions are soft and golden brown.
For the Risotto:
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup Arborio rice, or other medium-grain rice
1 tsp Kosher salt
4 cups boiling water
3 Tbsp lemon juice
¼ cup caramelized onions
Instructions:
1. Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil and caramelized onions in sauce pan.
2. When oil is hot, add rice and toast over medium-low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. When each grain of rice is covered with oil (the rice will clack when stirred), add the lemon juice plus ½ cup boiling water. Stir constantly until all the moisture has evaporated.
4. Add 1 tsp salt.
5. Add another ½ cup to 1 cup of boiling water, and stir constantly until it is mostly absorbed. (The spoon will leave a clear path in the pan while stirring.)
6. Continue adding boiling water and stirring until the risotto has reached your desired doneness. Traditionally risotto should be a little chewy or al dente.
7. Add another 1 – 2 Tbsp Olive oil to finish the risotto, if desired. This is not necessary if you are serving the risotto with the pesto.
For the Pesto:
½ cup chopped parsley leaves
¼ cup chopped basil leaves
¼ cup toasted pine nuts
2-3 Tbsp olive oil
Salt to taste
1. Toast the pine nuts over medium heat until they just begin to brown.
2. Crush the pine nuts, and roughly chop the basil and parsley.
3. Add the pine nuts, herbs, and salt to a food processor. Slowly drizzle in olive oil and pulse until pesto is chopped fine.
4. Taste for salt and Serve!