Leek and Pea Risotto with Grilled Calamari

Ingredients for Leek and Pea Risotto with Grilled Calamari

• 1450ml chicken stock such as leftover-roast-chicken stock

• 80ml extra-virgin olive oil, divided

• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 spring onion, thinly sliced

• 2 medium leeks (white and pale green parts only), thinly sliced and washed

• 300ml Arborio rice

• 60ml dry white wine

• 120ml frozen peas

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 80g grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

• 450g cleaned small squid, patted dry

• Equipment: a large (2-burner) grill pan

How to make Leek and Pea Risotto with Grilled Calamari

Bring stock to a bare simmer in a medium saucepan, then keep at a bare simmer.

Whisk together 2 tablespoons oil, lemon juice, spring onion, 1/4 teaspoons salt, and 1/8 teaspoons pepper in a medium bowl to make vinaigrette.

Cook leeks in 2 tablespoons oil in a 4-quart heavy pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned, 7 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Add remaining tablespoon oil and rice to pot and cook, stirring constantly, until rice is coated evenly, about 1 minute. Add wine and briskly simmer, stirring, until most has been absorbed, about 1 minute.

Add 240ml hot stock and briskly simmer, stirring constantly, until stock has been absorbed. Continue simmering and adding hot stock, 240ml at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next, until 240ml stock is left, 15 to 18 minutes. Add peas, leeks, and remaining cup stock and cook, stirring, until rice is just tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in butter and cheese, then remove from heat.

When last cup of stock has been added to risotto, heat grill pan over high heat until hot. 3When risotto is done, season squid with 1/8 teaspoons salt and oil grill pan. Grill squid, pressing down with a spatula and turning halfway through, until opaque and just cooked through, about 1 minute total. Toss with enough lemon vinaigrette to coat.

Serve risotto topped with calamari and drizzled with any remaining lemon vinaigrette.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.