Meatless Monday

This is a family favorite and what I'll be making with our halibut tonight. Try it- so yummy!

Photo by: Photography: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Melanie J. Clarke

Risotto with Fresh Mozzarella, Grape Tomatoes, and Basil

Cooking Light DECEMBER 2003

• Yield: 6 servings (serving size: about 1 cup)

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 4 1/2 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil, divided
• 2 cups chopped leek
• 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice or other medium-grain rice
• 1/3 cup dry white wine

• 1/4 cup half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 5 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, finely diced

Preparation

1. Place vinegar in a small, heavy saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook until slightly syrupy and reduced to 1 tablespoon (about 4 minutes). Set aside.
2. Bring the broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan (do not boil). Keep warm.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add leek; sauté 3 minutes or until tender. Add rice; 
4. cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in wine, and cook 1 minute or until the liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. 
5. Stir in 1 cup broth; cook 5 minutes or until the liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until each portion of broth is absorbed before adding the next (about 25 minutes total). Stir in half-and-half, salt, and pepper; cook 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in tomatoes, basil, and cheese. 
6. Place about 1 cup risotto evenly into 6 shallow serving bowls, and drizzle each with 1/2 teaspoon balsamic syrup and 1/2 teaspoon olive oil.