🍅 Roasted Tomato Risotto 🍚

Summer 2021 is upon us and the deer have destroyed most of Andy's garden with the exception of the squash and cherry tomato plants. Last night I put together a simple Roasted Tomato Risotto because the tomatoes were beginning to run out of our ears! I whipped up Andy's favorite Cold Black Bean Dip earlier and barely knocked a dent in the bowl. He loves creamy risotto and I thought, why not add roasted tomatoes to the mix?

This is super easy to fix. Get ready to do a lot of stirring as you will add the chicken broth a cup at a time until it is done.

INGREDIENTS;

1. Cherry tomatoes, 25 or more
2. Olive oil, 2 Tbsp. plus enough to drizzle on tomatoes
3. Butter, 2 Tbsp.
4. Light, sweet wine, 5 Tbsp.
   
5. Vidalia onion, 1/2 medium sized, chopped
6. Minced garlic, 2 Tbsp.
7. Chicken broth, 4 cups, hot
8. Italian style rice, 1-1/2 cups
9. Shredded Parmesan cheese, 1 cup
   

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Drizzle olive oil over tomatoes and lightly salt.
Let them bake for about 20 to 25 minutes.

While tomatoes are roasting, saute chopped onions in two tablespoons each of butter and olive oil.

Measure out 1-1/2 cups of rice.

I have this light, sweet apple and pineapple blend of homemade wine (courtesy of my brother-in-law) that is my go to for cooking. We mix our chicken broth with BTB chicken base as we need it.  You can use chicken broth from a can or box if you prefer.

Add the wine and stir until it is absorbed by the rice.
Now is the time to get a work out for your arms!

 Add the chicken broth to the rice one cup at a time, stirring constantly. You will be amazed at how much the rice "grows" in the pot.

Tomatoes are roasted and ready to add to the rice!

The last cup of chicken broth has been added and as soon as it is absorbed...

...in go the tomatoes! Add a little cracked black pepper to taste.

Andy was going on about how creamy a sample bite was. Oh no! It hit me right then that I forgot to add the Parmesan cheese! No worries! It was added it and it turned into the perfect level of smooth creaminess.