Corn Risotto

Corn, tomatoes and fresh basil are a classic summer combination. I made this risotto with organic corn from Finley Farms and heirloom tomatoes and fresh basil from our garden.

You could stir in a spoonful of pesto in place of the basil for a more intense flavor hit. Use a good vegetable stock. Wine adds to the complex flavor but you can omit it.

If you don't eat butter, use all olive oil. If you don't like the occasional roll of tomato skin, peel the tomatoes.

Although risotto has a reputation as time-consuming, it only takes about 30 minutes. It needs regular but not non-stop stirring. You can make a salad, cook some side dishes, or have a good kitchen conversation while cooking risotto.

Corn Risotto
2-3 cups vegetable stock
kernels from 2 ears of corn
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1/3 cup onion, in 1/4 to 1/2 inch dice
1 cup arborio rice
1/4 cup sauvignon blanc or other crisp white wine
1 lb tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup fresh basil
salt and pepper to taste

Put the stock in a pot on the back burner. Cut the corn kernels off the cobs, and add the cobs to the stock to give it extra flavor. Bring to a simmer.

Melt the butter and olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Stir in the onion and cook gently until soft but not brown. Add the arborio rice and stir until it is well-coated with butter. Pour in the white wine, stir, and let simmer until it is evaporated.

Now start adding the hot stock, 1 cup at a time, stirring after each addition. When the stock is fully absorbed, add more. After about 10 minutes, the rice will be partially cooked. Now add the corn kernels and diced tomatoes. Stir well. Add a sprinkling of salt and a few grindings of pepper. Keep adding stock. The amount you will need depends on the juiciness of the corn and tomatoes. If you run out, add boiling water from the kettle.

The risotto is cooked when the rice has a creamy quality and just a slight chewiness. Stir in the chopped basil, and season to taste.

Serve in shallow bowls sprinkled with more basil or parmesan. Should serve 4 but might not.