The light and refreshing ingredients that make up this summer dish make it a perfect side for any occasion. Add grilled shrimp for an excellent main course.
By Beth Ebin
Summer is in full force here in the Middle East. Temperatures are soaring and everyone is looking for a reprieve from the sun. Citrus trees are ripe for the picking and the herb gardens are in overgrowth. Usually when this happens in Israel we make limoncello, a refreshing lemon mint drink that could be served over ice or frozen. This risotto is inspired by my favorite warm weather beverage. 
The light and refreshing ingredients that make up this summer dish make it a perfect side for any occasion. Add grilled shrimp for an excellent main course.
PrintLemon Risotto with Mint and Ricotta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 side dishes, 4 entres 1x
Description
A summery risotto with fresh ingredients like lemon and mint.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cup (350 grams) risotto rice
- 4 tablespoons (56.7 grams) butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) white wine
- 2 cups (500 ml) chicken stock
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (200 grams) ricotta cheese
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 2/3 cup (10 grams) mint, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium sized pot, bring chicken stock to a boil then reduce heat and simmer.
- In a large pan melt butter over medium high heat.
- Add chopped onion to pan and saute until translucent.
- Add risotto rice to pan and stir to coat rice evenly.
- Add wine to pan and stir until all the liquids are absorbed.
- Add chicken stock by the ladle to the risotto, stirring until liquid is absorbed.
- Continue adding chicken stock in this matter until it is all absorbed and risotto is cooked through.
- Remove pan from heat and add Parmesan and ricotta cheese to risotto, stir to combine.
- Add lemon juice and mint to risotto and stir to combine.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
This sounds so refreshing. Normally pasta is not my favorite in the summer, but this dish might change that!
This looks amazing… love the combination of the lemon and ricotta! Will be trying this out for dinner tomorrow night :)