This Italian dish is a labour of time and love – but just be patient because when it is done it will all be worth it.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 450g fresh whole Campari tomatoes, or similar
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and halved
- ½ tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 800ml chicken or vegetable stock
- 15g butter
- 1 tbsp light olive oil
- 2 finely chopped echalion shallots
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 200g Arborio rice
- 150ml dry white wine
- 100g mozzarella, roughly chopped
- 30g freshly grated parmesan plus extra for serving
- Chopped fresh basil for serving
Preheat the oven to 190C. Put the tomatoes and garlic in a bowl, sprinkle with the sugar and a touch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.
Lay the tomatoes and garlic halves on a baking sheet and roast for about 30 minutes or until the skins of the tomatoes have collapsed and are just starting to brown. Put the roasted tomatoes and garlic in a blender along with the chicken stock and blend until smooth then keep hot in a small saucepan.
Heat the olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan. Add the shallots and cook until soft and translucent, 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the rice, rosemary and salt and pepper, stir and cook for one minute. Add the white wine, bring to a boil, and boil until the wine is mostly evaporated, 2-3 minutes.
Add about ¼ of the hot tomato mixture. Cook, stirring regularly, until most of the liquid has been incorporated, then continue adding a little at a time, stirring regularly as the rice absorbs the liquid (this will take 20-25 minutes). The rice will begin to swell and become creamy in texture. Stir in the mozzarella and parmesan. Add salt and pepper to taste. If the rice is too dry, stir in a little extra hot stock.
Serve immediately in wide bowls, sprinkled with freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped basil.
Recipe from thetomatostall.co.uk
