Risotto with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil

[mish]

Risotto with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil
1 ounce sun-dried tomatoes (about 14), packed without oil
1/2 cup boiling water
2 cups water
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can vegetable broth
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped shallots
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice or other short-grain rice
1 cup dry white wine
3/4 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Shaved fresh Parmesan cheese (optional)
Basil sprigs (optional)

Combine tomatoes and 1/2 cup boiling water in a bowl; cover and let stand 30 minutes or until soft. Drain and chop.

Combine 2 cups water and broth in a saucepan; simmer (don't boil). Keep warm.

Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots; sauté 2 minutes. Stir in rice; sauté 5 minutes. Add wine; cook 1 minute or until wine is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Add broth mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring often; cook until each portion of liquid is absorbed before adding next (about 25 minutes).

Add tomatoes; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in cheese, basil, and pepper. Garnish with cheese and basil sprigs, if desired.

 

[Alix]

GADZOOKS! mish can I come live with you? You are hitting all my happy food zones today. Risotto...cappuccino cake....mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!

 

[mish]

Looks like we have similar tastes Alix...all the GOOOD STUFF! Thanx again. Sure, come on down.

 

[Alix]

If I keep trying all your recipes I will have to WADDLE down. Keep em coming. I love them.

 

[mish]

Alix, we could make a pact, we'll only try a bite of each & save the rest for later - ha.

 

[Alix]

LOL! Later to me could mean a matter of minutes! I love food too much. Pasta is a special weakness of mine too.

Question, my sundried tomatoes are packed in oil. Why the no oil caveat? Does it mess up the recipe?

 

[PA Baker]

Alix, it probably says no oil because it's trying to be healthy. I bet if you drained off the oil and then patted up any excess, you'd be fine.

 

[mish]

Pasta is my weakness too, Alix. Since it's a Cooking Light recipe, sure we could use the sun dried tomatoes in oil & of course skip the boiling water to rehydrate them. See what you think.

Or - use all the light ingedients & we can have it all - right now At least, that's my philosophy - Uh-Oh.

 

[Alix]

Gotcha. I think I will try the full fat version. (How bad can olive oil be anyway) If it works out I will maybe move to the lower fat/calories version.

I must say though, calories taste GOOD!