Make Ahead

Shrimp Risotto with Fresh Tomatoes and Basil

by:
April 26, 2011
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0 Ratings
Shrimp Risotto with Fresh Tomatoes and Basil
  • Serves 4
Author Notes

My Grandma was a sensational chef and everything she touched seemed to taste a thousand times better than if any one else had tried to make it. Although I can only remember her making this once for me when I was very young, it was an eye opening meal that sparked my passion in food. My mom still makes it on special occasions as well, but my mind always goes back to that first time. This is one of those recipes that is covered in stains and is barely legible, and now my photocopy has even more stains added to it. I have only made two slight variations: I prefer to use frozen shrimp because it generally comes peeled and deviened, and I use a seafood stock instead of chicken because I feel it highlights the main ingredient.

PS: my camera does not want to work, but just makes for a great excuse to use this adorable picture! —truegrits

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • Risotto
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 cups seafood stock
  • 1/3 cup onions, chopped
  • 1.5 cups Arborio rice
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 4 medium tomatoes, chopped
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • Final Touches
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup Parmigiano cheese
  • 10 basil leaves, cut into thin strips
  • 1.5 pounds frozen medium shrimp, peeled
Directions
  1. In a large, heavy pot, heat oil and butter and saute onion until pale gold.
  2. Heat broth to a simmer in another pot.
  3. Add rice to onion. Stir to coat with oil. Toast for about 1 minute.
  4. Pour in wine and let the rice absorb.
  5. Add tomatoes with a little salt and pepper.
  6. Add a ladle of broth, about 1/3cup and stir until rice has absorbed it. Continue to do this until rice is tender.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in remaining butter, cheese, basil, and shrimp.
  8. Cover pot and let rest for a couple of minutes.
  9. Enjoy!
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1 Review

Blork
Blork September 10, 2015
Since the shrimp is added at the end, after the dish comes off the heat, I assume you are using pre-cooked frozen shrimp. I use raw frozen shrimp, so I will humbly suggest two small mods. First, peel the raw shrimp and add the shells to hot chicken stock to infuse it with shrimp flavor (if seafood stock is not available). Second, lightly sauté the shrimp as the first step, and set aside until the end. (Do this in the same pan you're using for the risotto; just do the shrimp first, set aside, then do the onions, etc.)