Ingredients:
- Arborio rice: 2 cups
- Tomatoes: 4, chopped
- Onion: 1, finely diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Chicken or vegetable broth: 4 cups
- Tea Rubs: 1 tablespoon (a blend of black tea leaves, dried oregano, and a pinch of sugar)
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: to taste
- Frozen fries: 1 cup
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1 cup
- Fresh basil leaves: for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tea Rubs: In a small bowl, mix the black tea leaves, dried oregano, and sugar. Crush the tea leaves lightly with a mortar and pestle or use a spice grinder to create a fine blend.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Add Rice and Tea Rubs: Add the Arborio rice to the saucepan, stirring to coat the rice in the oil and tea rubs mixture.
- Toast the Rice: Toast the rice for a few minutes until it becomes fragrant.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Slowly add the hot broth to the rice, stirring occasionally. Add the chopped tomatoes and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cook the Risotto: Allow the risotto to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 18-20 minutes.
- Add Fries: While the risotto is cooking, heat the frozen fries in the oven according to package instructions. Once cooked, add the fries to the risotto and stir gently.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If the risotto is too thick, add a little more broth.
- Serve: Serve the tomato and fries risotto in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Tips:
- The tea rubs add a unique aroma and depth of flavor to the risotto, complementing the tangy tomato flavor.
- For a creamier risotto, consider adding a splash of heavy cream during the final stages of cooking.
- This Tomato and Fries Risotto with Tea Rubs recipe is perfect for a casual dinner or a fun twist on traditional risotto. The addition of tea rubs creates a memorable and aromatic dish.