Weekend Meal: Hearty Risotto

Ben and I love Risotto! (If you couldn't tell) and this weekend we made this very yummy and very hearty risotto with Scallops, Pancetta, and Spinach (Fine Cooking). This recipe was so easy! Just make risotto like you normally would and add the scallops (sear first), spinach, and panchetta (you should cook the panchetta like bacon before you add it to the risotto).

This recipe was perfect for a "date night" or just to warm up by the fire (which we don't have in Florida). Be sure to get "dry" scallops for this recipe. Most stores carry only dry scallops but be sure to ask just in case :) Most people think that risotto is very hard to make but it is no harder then making any other rice and it tastes better! We like to use chicken broth instead of cream mainly because its healthier. Also, use low sodium chicken broth because the parmesan cheese will add a nice nutty, salty taste to the risotto.


Note: The Fine Cooking website has many FREE risotto recipes. Just type "risotto" into their recipe search engine and you'll find a risotto for every occasion!