
Remember the idea behind Meatless Monday is to start the week off with a focus on health and awareness of the impact our meat consumption is having on the environment. So, if you do not have time to cook the lemon & herb risotto recipe, choose from our directory listing of Chicago Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants.
Ingredients:
Serves 4
4 cups vegetable stock
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 red onion, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
1 3/4 cups dry white wine
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1 handful of parsley
1 handful of basil
1 tablespoon of cilantro
Salt and pepper to your taste
2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese
Directions:
Pour the stock into a pan and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer.
In the mean time, heat the olive oil in a pot. Add the onion and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes, or until the onion softens. Add the rice and cook, stirring, until all the grains are slightly golden.
Add the wine and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the alcohol has evaporated. Add a ladleful of the hot stock to the rice and cook, stirring until it has been absorbed. Continue adding the stock, a ladleful at a time, and stirring occasionally until each addition has been absorbed. This process will take about 20 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Once the rice is ready, turn off the fire and add the lemon zest, lemon juice and the herbs finely chopped.
Add the parmesan cheese, stir and serve this vegetarian meal.
You should be able to find most of the fresh herbs at your local farmers’ market. Spread the word in Chicago about Meatless Monday.