Risotto with Chives and Truffle Oil

Creamy risotto seasoned with chives, fresh flat-leaf parsley, yellow onion, Parmigiano-Reggiano and earthy truffle oil.

Recipe Ingredients:

3 1/2 cups to 4 cups chicken broth
2 bunches fresh chives
1 cup firmly packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 yellow onion, peeled and diced
1 cup Arborio rice
3 to 4 tablespoons butter, room temperature
1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese - divided use
1 tablespoon white truffle oil, plus more for garnish
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 small preserved black truffle, sliced paper-thin

Cooking Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring chicken broth to a slow, steady simmer.
2. In a small pan with boiling salted water, cook the chives and parsley 15 to 20 seconds. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water. Pat the herbs dry with paper towels and mince; set aside.
3. In a large heavy 4-quart pan over medium heat, heat olive oil; add onion and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes or until soft (be careful not to brown the onions).
4. Add the rice. Using a wooden spoon, stir for 1 minute, making sure all the grains are well coated (toasting the rice in melted butter keeps it from getting mushy). Add the hot chicken broth (1/2 cup at a time), stirring frequently. Wait until each addition is almost completely absorbed before adding the next 1/2 cup, reserving about 1/4 cup to add at the end. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. (Note: Risotto doesn't need constant attention during its 18 minute cooking time. You'll just need to check on the pan every few minutes, give the rice a stir to keep it from sticking, and add more stock.)
5. After approximately 18 minutes, when the rice is tender but still firm, add the reserved broth. The rice is done when it is tender, but firm to the bite. Turn off the heat and immediately add butter, herbs, 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon truffle oil, stirring vigorously to combine with the rice. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. NOTE: To test the risotto for proper consistency, spoon a little into a bowl and shake it lightly from side to side. The risotto should spread out very gently of its own accord. If the rice just stands still, it's too dry, so add a little more stock. If a puddle of liquid forms around the rice, you've added too much stock. Spoon some liquid off, or just let the risotto sit for a few more seconds off the heat to absorb the excess stock.
7. Transfer risotto to warmed serving plates and serve immediately, garnished with the remaining cheese, truffle oil, and truffle slices.

Makes 4 servings.

Recipe by Linda Stradley of www.whatscookingamerica.net. Used with permission.