2000s Recipes + Menus

Leek and Pea Risotto with Grilled Calamari

Serves4
  • Active time:45 min
  • Start to finish:45 min
March 2009
Homemade stock will make any risotto fabulous. Here, the delicate, springlike combination of leeks and peas is given texture and heft with the addition of calamari, turning it into a main course.
  • 6 cups chicken stock such as leftover-roast-chicken stock
  • 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 scallion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 2 medium leeks (white and pale green parts only), thinly sliced and washed (see Tips)
  • 1 1/4 cups Arborio rice
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • 1 lb cleaned small squid, patted dry
  • Equipment:

    a large (2-burner) grill pan
  • Bring stock to a bare simmer in a medium saucepan, then keep at a bare simmer.
  • Whisk together 2 Tbsp oil, lemon juice, scallion, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp pepper in a medium bowl to make vinaigrette.
  • Cook leeks in 2 Tbsp oil in a 4-qt heavy pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned, 7 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  • Add remaining Tbsp oil and rice to pot and cook, stirring constantly, until rice is coated evenly, about 1 minute. Add wine and briskly simmer, stirring, until most has been absorbed, about 1 minute.
  • Add 1 cup hot stock and briskly simmer, stirring constantly, until stock has been absorbed. Continue simmering and adding hot stock, 1 cup at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next, until 1 cup stock is left, 15 to 18 minutes. Add peas, leeks, and remaining cup stock and cook, stirring, until rice is just tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in butter and cheese, then remove from heat.
  • When last cup of stock has been added to risotto, heat grill pan over high heat until hot.
  • When risotto is done, season squid with 1/8 tsp salt and oil grill pan. Grill squid, pressing down with a spatula and turning halfway through, until opaque and just cooked through, about 1 minute total. Toss with enough lemon vinaigrette to coat.
  • Serve risotto topped with calamari and drizzled with any remaining lemon vinaigrette.
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