Italian Wedding Risotto

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For a more substantial, main-course variation on Italian wedding soup, serve this garlicky meatball and spinach risotto with a drizzle of olive oil, grated Parmesan, and parsley.

Active Time:
45 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Yield:
4 to 6 servings

Inspired by the classic soup, this heartier Italian wedding risotto is filled with just-wilted spinach and topped with crispy, garlicky meatballs. Use a cookie scoop to quickly portion out the meatballs; make a double batch and freeze half to whip up this dish in a flash. Remove the risotto from the heat while it's still a little soupy — it will thicken slightly as it rests. 

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground pork

  • 1/2 cup panko

  • 1 1/2 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, finely grated with a Microplane (about 2/3 cup), divided, plus more for garnish

  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish

  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten

  • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped, divided

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste and for garnish

  • 4 cups lower-sodium chicken stock or broth

  • 2 cups water

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (2 ounces), divided

  • 1 medium-size yellow onion, finely chopped (about 2 cups)

  • 1 medium celery stalk, finely chopped (about 1/3 cup)

  • 1 1/2 cups uncooked arborio rice (about 10 1/2 ounces)

  • 3/4 cup dry white wine

  • 3 cups packed fresh baby spinach (about 3 ounces), torn

Directions

  1. Italian Wedding Risotto Recipe

    Diana Chistruga

    Gather the ingredients.

  2. Italian Wedding Risotto Recipe

    Diana Chistruga

    Preheat oven to broil with rack 9 inches from heat. Combine pork, panko, 1/3 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, parsley, egg, 2 teaspoons chopped garlic, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix gently with hands until just combined.

  3. Italian Wedding Risotto Recipe

    Diana Chistruga

    Roll mixture into 20 meatballs (about 2 tablespoons each). Place meatballs 1 inch apart on a broiler-safe baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.

  4. Italian Wedding Risotto Recipe

    Diana Chistruga

    Broil until browned and cooked through, 6 to 9 minutes. Set cooked meatballs aside at room temperature until ready to serve.

  5. Italian Wedding Risotto Recipe

    Diana Chistruga

    Combine stock and 2 cups water in a medium saucepan; bring to a simmer over medium. Reduce heat to medium-low.

  6. Italian Wedding Risotto Recipe

    Diana Chistruga

    Heat oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium. Add onion, celery, and remaining chopped garlic; cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes.

  7. Italian Wedding Risotto Recipe

    Diana Chistruga

    Add rice and cook, stirring constantly, until translucent, 1 to 2 minutes.

  8. Italian Wedding Risotto Recipe

    Diana Chistruga

    Add wine and cook, stirring often, until almost completely reduced, 1 to 2 minutes.

  9. Italian Wedding Risotto Recipe

    Diana Chistruga

    Add 1 cup warm stock mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until most of the liquid has been absorbed.

  10. Italian Wedding Risotto Recipe

    Diana Chistruga

    Add remaining stock mixture, 1 cup at a time, stirring until liquid has been absorbed after each addition, until rice is al dente, about 20 minutes.

  11. Italian Wedding Risotto Recipe

    Diana Chistruga

    Remove from heat. Stir in remaining cheese and remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Stir in spinach; cook, stirring occasionally, until just wilted, about 30 seconds.

  12. Italian Wedding Risotto Recipe

    Diana Chistruga

    Divide risotto and meatballs among bowls. Drizzle with oil; garnish with additional cheese, parsley, and pepper.

Make ahead

Uncooked meatballs can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place on a rimmed baking sheet; freeze for 2 hours. Transfer to a freezer bag. Let thaw before broiling.

Suggested pairing

Herbal, red-fruited Chianti Classico: Ruffino Riserva Ducale

Originally appeared: February 2022

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