Winter recipes

November 2008 recipes by Natoora

By Natoora Natoora
31/10/2008

Risotto ai Porcini

Risotto

Ingredients

• 400gr Carnaroli or Vialone Nano rice
• 200gr Fresh Porcini mushrooms – cleaned and sliced
• 1 Yellow onion – finely diced
• 100gr Grated Parmigiano Reggiano
• 60gr Butter - unsalted
• 1/2 ltr Stock, vegetable or chicken
• Salt & pepper

Method

In a pan melt half of the butter, add the onions and a little pinch of salt and sauté until translucent. Now add the mushrooms and cook for several minutes until they begin to colour around the edges. Add the rice, toast it by cooking for a minute or two prior to adding any liquid. Keep adding ladles of stock, stirring gently yet continuously until the stock has been completely absorbed before adding another ladle. Once cooked, remove from heat and add the butter and Parmesan and let stand for a few minutes. Stir to incorporate the butter and cheese, season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Endive Soup 

Endive Soup

Ingredients

Method

In a pot heat the olive oil and add the diced onions, chicken livers, a pinch of salt and some freshly ground pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the onion is translucent then add the sliced endive and cook on gentle heat until the onion and endive gently start to colour and the chicken livers are slightly golden around the edges. You will need to mix regularly to avoid any burning and be patient; this will take a good 10 minutes. Raise the heat, add the white wine and deglaze the pan using a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan. Reduce the heat to low, add the water and cook uncovered for 30 minutes. Taste and correct for seasoning.

Serve the soup and garnish with several grapes per plate, along with some fresh finely sliced red endive and a few sprigs of dill.

Oven Baked Fish

Oven Baked Fish

Ingredients

Method

In an oven-proof tray place the fish and all around the cut vegetables

Season with all your dry and fresh ingredients – ensure the seasoning is in the cavity of the fish

Season with oil of choice, ensure the fish is well ointed, as well as the vegetables

Pour the liquid so it comes to no more than 1 to 2cm from the bottom of the pan

Place in oven, cook for anywhere from 25-45 minutes depending on the size of the fish. Check and add liquid if necessary.