Prepare to indulge in a culinary delight that reimagines the traditional risotto by replacing arborio rice with finely diced potatoes. This Potato Risotto recipe offers a creamy, comforting twist on the classic Italian dish. If you’re not a fan of spinach, feel free to switch it out with peas for a variation that suits your taste.
SERVES 4
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 leeks (white part only)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped
- 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and finely diced
- 2 cups dry white wine
- 5 cups Vegetable Broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups fresh spinach
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Start by thinly slicing the leeks crosswise into semicircles. Rinse them thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.
- In a 4-quart slow cooker, add the olive oil and sauté the sliced leeks on high heat until they become translucent, which should take about 5–7 minutes. This initial step infuses the risotto with a delightful oniony flavor.
- Now, add the rest of the ingredients, except for the spinach, to the slow cooker. This includes the finely diced russet potatoes, dry white wine, Vegetable Broth, salt, pepper, and the freshly chopped thyme. The combination of these ingredients will create a creamy and savory risotto.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on medium-high heat for a total duration of 4 hours. This gentle and slow cooking process allows the potatoes to absorb all the flavors and become tender.
- After the 4 hours have passed, mix the fresh spinach into the risotto. Continue cooking for an additional 1 hour. This step adds a vibrant green color and a burst of freshness to the dish.
As the Potato Risotto cooks, the russet potatoes release their starches, creating a naturally creamy texture that’s reminiscent of traditional risotto. The combination of thyme, white wine, and Vegetable Broth infuses the dish with a rich and aromatic flavor.
Once the cooking is complete, your Potato Risotto is ready to be enjoyed. This dish offers the creamy comfort of risotto with a unique twist, making it a delightful addition to your dinner table. Whether you choose to serve it as a side dish or as the star of the meal, Potato Risotto is sure to impress your taste buds.
So, savor the creamy goodness of this reimagined classic and enjoy the delightful flavors of potato risotto in every spoonful.