Recipe Information

• Servings: 4
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Difficulty: Medium

Ingredients

• For the Risotto:
  • 400 grams Arborio rice
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • A drizzle of olive oil
  • 2 chicken bouillon cubes
  • 2 Conference pears, peeled and diced
  • 100 grams Fourme d’Ambert cheese, crumbled
  • A small handful of hazelnuts, roughly chopped
  • 100 grams parmesan cheese, grated
  • Fresh shiso leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring 3 liters of water to a boil.
2. In a frying pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
3. Add the Arborio rice and stir to coat it with oil, allowing it to lightly toast for about 1-2 minutes.
4. Gradually add the hot chicken bouillon, one ladle at a time, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid. Stir continuously for about 15 minutes until the rice is creamy and al dente.
5. While the risotto cooks, toast the hazelnuts in a separate pan until they are golden.
6. Sauté the diced pears in a small amount of butter until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
7. When the rice is nearly cooked, add in the diced pears, some toasted hazelnuts, the crumbled blue cheese, and parmesan cheese.
8. Mix well and let it cook for an additional minute.
9. Remove from heat and serve, garnished with additional hazelnuts and fresh shiso leaves if desired.

Notes

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make it ahead and reheat gently with a bit of added broth. Serve it with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.

Recipe Tips

• For a touch of sweetness, consider adding a splash of white wine when cooking the risotto.
• You can substitute Fourme d’Ambert with another mild blue cheese if preferred.
• Feel free to add other herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor.

Nutrition Information

Approximately 550 calories per serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of cheese in this risotto?

Yes! You can substitute Fourme d’Ambert with a different cheese like Gorgonzola or Roquefort for a different flavor profile.

2. Is Arborio rice the only type of rice I can use?

While Arborio is preferred for its creamy texture, you can use Carnaroli or Vialone Nano rice as alternatives.

3. Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes! Substitute the cheese with a vegan alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little broth if it seems dry.

5. What can I serve with this risotto?

A fresh salad, grilled vegetables, or even a simple protein like chicken or fish pairs well with the richness of the risotto.