Crispy Cheese Curd Risotto Cake Recipes

Steps:

• Cook's Note: Click here to get the recipe for Fontina Risotto with Chicken.
• Stir the chives into the chilled risotto. Form into 8 patties, using about 1/4 cup risotto for each. Press a hole in the center of each patty and stuff with a cube of fontina; pat risotto around each hole to cover.
• Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. Lightly dredge each risotto cake in the crumbs, turning to coat evenly. Place on a plate, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
• Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the cakes, 2 or 3 at a time, until evenly browned, about 1 1/2 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain; season with salt and pepper.
• Combine the greens and fennel in a bowl; drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and the lemon juice, season with salt and pepper and toss. Divide the risotto cakes and salad among 4 plates.
• Bring the broth and 4 cups water to a simmer in a saucepan; keep warm.
• Meanwhile, melt 4 tablespoons butter in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion; cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the rice and thyme; cook, stirring, until the rice is glossy, about 1 minute. Add the wine and cook, stirring, until the liquid is absorbed. Add 1 teaspoon Kosher salt. Ladle in the hot broth, about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly, allowing all of the liquid to be absorbed before adding more. Continue until the rice is just tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
• Remove the thyme. Stir in the parmigiano, the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir in the fontina and chicken. Reserve about 2 cups risotto for Risotto Cakes. Divide the rest among bowls; top with parsley and more fontina.

Steps:

• In a large bowl add the leftover risotto, eggs, corn, bread crumbs, and Parmesan and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Mix to combine well. Form into 12 balls about the size of a walnut, then flatten into patties and arrange on a baking sheet.
• Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook until they are golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove the patties from the oil to a baking sheet lined with a brown bag or paper towels to drain the excess oil. Transfer to a serving tray and serve hot.

Steps:

• Warm chicken broth either on stove or in microwave.
• In a 2 quart saucepan or large skillet (non stick works well) heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add shallots and saute for 1-2 minutes until softened.
• Raise heat to medium high, add rice and salt, stirring constantly for 2 minutes, until rice just begins to turn slightly golden in color.
• Add wine and stir until almost completely evaporated.
• Begin adding chicken broth, about 1/2 cup at a time.
• After each 1/2 cup addition of broth, stir frequently, until broth is almost evaporated and add the next 1/2 cup.
• Do the same for each addition of broth, stirring frequently.
• Begin tasting the rice for doneness during the last two additions of broth for tenderness--it should be al dente-tender with a slight bite to it.
• If rice is not done after the last addition, continue cooking as above adding additional 1/2 cups of broth until done. The entire process should take about 20 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in cheese, cayenne and pecans or pine nuts. You can also add the additional teaspoon of butter if you want it extra rich at this point.
• Adjust the salt if needed, remembering that there is a lot of salt in cheese and possibly in the type of broth you use.
• Serve hot.

Steps:

• Bring the stock to a boil in a small saucepan, then reduce the heat and keep warm. Melt the 2 teaspoons oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat and sweat the onion, celery, and fennel for about 5 minutes. Add the rice and stir for 2-3 minutes, then add the sherry and stir until it is absorbed. Using a ladle, start adding the stock a cup or so at a time, and stir until the liquid is absorbed. About halfway through add a little salt and pepper. When all the stock is added, taste the rice. It should be tender but not mushy. (It's okay if the rice is still a little firm, as it will continue to cook after it is removed from the heat.) Add the Parmesan and the herbs, then remove it from the heat and let cool a couple of minutes before stirring in the fontina. Check the seasoning one more time, then pour the rice into a pan and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (until the rice is cool enough to handle). Use your hands to form 3- to 4-inch cakes (they should be a little smaller than hockey pucks) and set aside. Meanwhile, prepare shrimp.
• Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the cakes (two or three at a time so as not to overcrowd the pan) until golden and crispy, 3-4 minutes on each side. Serve the warm cakes alongside the roasted shrimp.