Squash and Kale Risotto

Ingredients

• 4 1/2-5 cups vegetable stock
• 1 cup minced onion
• 2-3 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (May use white grape juice) (optional)
• 2 cups peeled and cubed winter squash (3/4 to 1 inch cubes)
• 3 cups stemmed and chopped kale, packed (about 1/2 pound before stemming, May use other greens)
• 1/8-1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon, rind of
• salt & fresh ground pepper
• 1/4 cup grated pecorino cheese or parmesan cheese

Directions

1. 1

   Bring the vegetable stock to a boil and then reduce it to a simmer.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, in a heavy saucepan, preferably nonstick, saute the onions in 2 teaspoons of the oil for about 5 minutes, until softened but not browned.

3. 3

   Add more oil, if necessary, to prevent sticking.

4. 4

   Using a wooden spoon to avoid breaking the grains, add the rice and stir until it is well coated with oil.

5. 5

   Add the wine, if using.

6. 6

   When it is absorbed (it won't take long), ladle in 2 1/2 cups of the simmering stock, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring frequently for 2 to 3 minutes between each addition, until the rice has absorbed the liquid.

7. 7

   Add the squash and the kale and stir.

8. 8

   Continue adding 1/2 cup of broth every few minutes for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until all of the stock has been added and the rice is tender but firm.

9. 9

   Add the nutmeg, lemon peel, and salt and pepper to taste.

10. 10

    Remove the risotto from the heat, stir in the cheese, and serve immediately.

11. 11

    Enjoy!

12. 12

    Variations:.

13. 13

    In addition to or in place of kale, add any of the following:.

14. 14

    chopped Swiss chard, cabbage, radicchio, or fresh fennel, chopped celery, roasted red peppers, sun dried tomatoes, green peas, green beans, or even seedless black grapes.

15. 15

    This is great served with fish or chicken!