Spring Vegetable Risotto with Poached Egg

I’m finally starting to believe that the Long Winter of 2014 might actually, really, potentially be over.  My mom’s daffodils are finally up.  I can see little tiny buds on our cherry tree.  The 12 foot mound of snow that has been in our driveway for months has melted into nothing.  And so visions of spring veggies are dancing in my head…and in this particular vision, they are nestled into a creamy risotto with a poached egg melting into the whole thing.  That’s a good vision, right?  Let’s make it a reality.

First, round up some spring veggies.  You are TOTALLY allowed to mix and match, but here’s what I went with.  Our local farm market had some fresh peas.

And some fennel.  Doesn’t this look like the very picture of spring?

Leeks.  Leeks are necessary.

I also had some baby spinach, but it was shy and didn’t want to have its picture taken.  Otherwise known as, I may have realized after this was cooked and eaten that I forgot to take a picture of the dang spinach.

Anyway.

Start the risotto by sauteing the leeks and fennel in a little olive oil until they are tender. Now add in the rice and some white wine, just the way you would do with regular risotto.  Start adding in chicken broth by the cupful as your risotto cooks.  I am one of those people who does NOT think risotto needs to be stirred constantly – a little stir every few minutes or so is perfectly fine.

Meantime, poach up a few eggs…click here for my favorite, totally reliable way to poach eggs.  If they are done before your risotto, just scoop them out and let them rest on a plate – they will be fine.

When the risotto is just about done, add in the spinach and stir until it is wilted and mixed in.  Stir in a generous amount of Parmesan cheese and sour cream.  Take a taste and add salt and pepper as needed.

Now spoon it out into warm bowls, pop a poached egg on top and break it so the yolk melts into the risotto.

Take a bite.  Rejoice that it is finally spring.  Warm and wonderful things come to those who wait!

Spring Vegetable Risotto with Poached Egg

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• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Ingredients

• 1 cup peas, fresh or frozen
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 leek, white and light green part, cleaned and sliced
• 1 fennel bulb, sliced
• 1 cup arborio rice
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 cups baby spinach
• 1 tablespoon sour cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 eggs, poached

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Instructions

1. Cook fresh peas for one minute in salted boiling water, or defrost frozen peas. Set aside.
2. Heat oil and butter in deep heavy pot or Dutch oven. Saute leeks and fennel for about 5 minutes over medium high heat until tender.
3. Add white wine and rice. Simmer until rice is evaporated.
4. Add a cup of broth and simmer until broth is absorbed, stirring occasionally. Add remaining broth by the cupful until it is all absorbed and the rice is cooked – this will take about 20-25 minutes.
5. When the risotto is done, stir in spinach until wilted. Stir in sour cream and cheese, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in peas.
6. Spoon risotto into warmed bowls, top with a poached egg, breaking the yolk, and serve!

Inspired by the recipe in Bon Appetit

Kate Morgan Jackson

Hi there!  I’m Kate, and I’m a recipe writer, food photographer and devoted bacon lover.  I started Framed Cooks in 2009, and my mission is to create and share family-friendly recipes that make cooking both easy and fun…yes, I said FUN!  My kitchen is my happy place, and I want yours to be that place too.  Let’s cook together!