Monday, June 20, 2016

Oven Baked Leek and Prosciutto Risotto with Gummy Shark

I have had it in my head for the last few weeks that I wanted to make a risotto.  Sadly, as Masterchef Australia has labelled risotto the "death" dish of their competition, I have to say every past attempt that this has been my "death" dish also.  Death obviously not from dying but from failing to create the dish as intended.  Determined as usual I decided to give an oven baked version of risotto a try in hope to put all my epic failed attempts of cooking one of our favourite dishes behind me.
 
There is nothing better than a plate/bowl full of creamy soft rice that is full of flavour especially when it's home cooked.  Risotto, originating in Italy, can be served as an entrée, main or even a dessert and while there are an abundance of traditional recipes its a dish that can be made using what ever ingredients you have available.

As I planned to serve this risotto with some thick gummy shark fillets I wanted I knew that I wanted something that was bold enough to compliment the fish but not overpower it's flavour.  A balanced combination of leek and prosciutto with a hint of tarragon and some sweetness from the corn kernels made this risotto a perfect partner for the tender gummy shark which was laced with a hint of smokiness.

I challenge anyone who is, like me, haunted by past failed attempts to give this oven baked method a try - you won't be disappointed.


Oven Baked Leek and Prosciutto Risotto with Gummy Shark
(Recipe adapted from Weight Watchers Food You'll Love)
 
Serves: 6
 
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 leek, finely sliced
80 grams prosciutto, fat trimmed, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon leaves
250 grams Arborio rice
150 grams cherry tomatoes, halved
150 grams corn kernels
4 cups chicken stock
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
6 x 200 gram pieces gummy shark or fish of your choice
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
cooking spray
4 tablespoons reduced fata thickened cream

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius or 160 degrees Celsius fan forced.

Heat oil in a large flameproof casserole dish over medium heat.  Add leek and prosciutto and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until prosciutto is crisp and leek has softened.  Add garlic and tarragon and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.  Add rice, tomatoes and corn and stir to combine.

Add stock and bring to the boil, stirring occasionally.  Cover and bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until rice is just tender.

Meanwhile sprinkle fish with paprika.  Lightly spray a large non stick frying pan with oil and heat over medium high heat.  Cook fish for 4-5 minutes each side or until just cooked through.

Remove risotto from oven and stir in the cream.  Serve fish with risotto.

 
 

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