Risotto with Chard (snijbiet in Dutch) is a humble yet tasty risotto. I parcooked the chard in the stock that I subsequently used for the risotto to capture all of the flavor of the chard. For this risotto I used only the leaves of the chard. If you like, you could also use the stems if you parcook them longer. The two most important things for making a fine risotto are the stock and patience. The stock must be homemade, not from cubes. Patience is needed to stir it for 20 minutes or so, but all that work is rewarded with a very creamy and tasty risotto.

Ingredients

For 2 servings

300 grams (.67 lbs) of chard (more if you are only using the leaves)

130 grams (2/3 cup) of risotto rice such as arborio

600 ml (2 1/2 cups) of homemade chicken stock or vegetable stock

60 ml (1/4 cup) dry white wine

1 small onion, finely chopped

40 grams (3 Tbsp) butter

freshly grated nutmeg

freshly grated parmigiano reggiano

salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

Clean the chard and separate the tough stems from the leaves.  You can use the stems for another dish, or parcook them longer than the leaves and use them together with the leaves for this risotto.

Shred the leaves.

Heat the stock.

Parcook the chard in the stock for 5 minutes. (If you are also using the stems, cook them for 10 minutes longer.)

Drain the chard, catching the stock. Put the stock back into a pot and keep it warm (simmering).

Melt 30 grams (2 Tbsp) of the butter over low heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent.

Add the rice and toast the rice until the edges become translucent.

Add the chard as well and sauté for a minute.

Add the white wine and allow to evaporate, stirring.

Add a ladle of the hot stock. Stir until it has evaporated, and then add another ladle of stock and keep stirring.

Go on like that for about 16-18 minutes or until the rice is cooked al dente.

Add some freshly grated nutmeg to your liking.

Add freshly grated parmigiano to your liking.

Add the remaining butter (10 grams/1 Tbsp) in small pieces.

Stir to mix. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Allow the risotto to rest for a few minutes.

Serve on warm plates, sprinkled with some more grated parmigiano.