Bacon & Chestnut Risotto
Serves 4
We’ve use ready-prepared, cooked and peeled chestnuts which can be easily found in the shops. This makes the whole process a lot quicker and less fiddly.
This recipe combines smoky bacon with the sweetest of chestnuts — these two ingredients have always been perfect partners on the Christmas table, so why not give them a chance any other time of the year too.
Don’t be put off by the use of red wine as it gives a good flavour — the colour may be a little odd but this dish is all about the taste.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 224g smoked streaky bacon, cut into pieces
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely crushed
- 1 heaped tbsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 300g arborio rice
- freshly ground black pepper
- 1 glass red wine
- 1 litre hot chicken stock, it’s fine to use shop bought stock
- large knob of butter
- 40 (approx) ready cooked and peeled chestnuts
- grated Parmesan, to serve
Method
Stir in the thyme and tip in the rice, fry gently, whilst stirring, so that the rice becomes completely coated. Then add the wine, keep stirring until all the liquid has been absorbed. Season generously with black pepper.
Now add a little of the stock and on a gentle heat keep stirring the rice as it cooks to release its starch and give a creamy texture. When the rice has absorbed all the liquid, add more stock. Continue to stir. You will need to repeat this process until all the stock is used up. The risotto is done when the rice has increased in volume. It should have a lightly nutty bite to it and also be moist with a liquid creamy sauce.
Keep the risotto on a low heat while you melt the knob of butter in a frying pan. Add the chestnuts and sauté them until golden, tip them into the risotto along with the butter and mix in well.
Serve in bowls topped with grated parmesan.
Foods in Season
See which foods are in season and at their best using our guide >>>
Try these recipes…
Sign up to receive our newsletter
For the latest producer info, shows, markets, recipes, competitions and more. Please be assured that we don't sell or pass on your information to third parties.
Keep up to date with:
- New and approved producers and produce
- Offers, discounts, competitions and more
- Seasonal produce and great tasting downloadable recipe ideas
- Shows, events and markets