Zucchini Risotto with Lemon Fragrance

Risotto con le Zucchine al Profumo di Limone

Lemon not only tastes delicious but, it is known, that can help stimulate good health. This dish is simple, healthy and tasteful. It combines the benefits of the semi wholemeal rice (you can also use the wholemeal rice) with the essential nutrients of the lemon peel.

Preparation time: 4 minutes

Cooking time: about 30 minutes
Class: economic-very healthy

Serves  2-3

 
Ingredients:

1 organic fresh lemon
1 onion, peeled and chopped
3-4 small tender zucchini, chopped
Water, about 4 cups (1 L)
Salt, about ½ tbsp.
About 8 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
½ lb. (approximately 250 g) semi-wholemeal Ribe rice
Black pepper to taste

Method:

1.    With a cheese grater, using the large holes, grate the lemon peel. Set aside.
2.    Blend together onion and zucchini, reducing them to a thick puree. Set aside.
3.    Bring 4 cups (1 L) water to a boil in a large pot. Add ½ tbsp. salt, and lower the heat so that the water just stays hot.
4.    Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large pan. Add the rice and let cook 2 minutes in the oil, stirring constantly. Then add the zucchini and onion puree and let cook, stirring frequently, until the liquid is  absorbed. Continue, adding 1 cup (250 ml) of salted hot water  at a time, waiting for all the liquid to be absorbed, before adding the next, and stirring constantly, until the rice is creamy and tender (for the semi-wholemeal rice, about 25-30 minutes - you may not have to use all the salted hot water).
5.    Turn off the heat. Stir in the grated lemon peel and black pepper. Allow to rest for 5 minutes. At this point, taste the risotto and add more salt if needed. Garnish with more grated lemon peel if you like. Serve immediately.