Bacon, Basil, and Tomato Risotto {BLT Risotto}
Ingredients
- 4 clow-sodium chicken broth
- 6slices bacon
chopped into small pieces
- 1 tbspminced garlic)
(about 3 cloves
- 1 tbspfinely chopped jalapeño
- 1 ½ carborio rice
- ½ cdry white wine)
(like pinot grigio
- 1 cchopped tomatoes
- ¾ cgrated parmesan
plus more for topping
- 1 tbspunsalted butter
- bunch basil
roughly chopped, plus more for topping
Directions
- 1
Pour chicken broth into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Once it’s boiling, lower heat and keep it at a simmer.
- 2
Add bacon to a separate large saucepan over low heat and cook until it's crispy, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-covered plate. Drain oil from pot until you have about 1 Tbsp left.
- 3
Increase heat to medium and add in garlic and jalapeño. Cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- 4
Add arborio rice to saucepan with the garlic and jalapeño. Cook the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring a bit, until it’s translucent around the edges. Add in white wine and stir a bit (scraping up any bits from the bottom of the saucepan) until the wine is totally absorbed, 3-4 minutes.
- 5
Add about 3/4 cup chicken broth and stir occasionally until it has evaporated completely, 2 -3 minutes. You don't have to stir constantly, but make sure to give it a stir on occasion to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
- 6
Repeat this process, adding 3/4 cup of chicken stock at a time, until risotto is creamy and rice is cooked to al dente. You may not need all of the chicken stock, but I usually add close to all of it if not all of it.
- 7
Stir in reserved bacon (save a little for topping if you want!), tomatoes, parmesan, butter, and basil and cook until heated through.
- 8
Serve and top with additional bacon and parmesan if desired.
Bacon, Basil, and Tomato Risotto {BLT Risotto}
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About this Recipe
Craving the classic flavors of a BLT transformed into a comforting, savory meal? This Bacon, Basil, and Tomato Risotto delivers all the beloved tastes you expect, perfect for a delightful summer dinner.
Why This Recipe Works
What truly makes this risotto special is the clever swap of lettuce for fresh, fragrant basil. This simple change elevates the traditional BLT profile, providing an aromatic depth and vibrant color that lettuce simply can't. The combination of crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and sweet basil melds beautifully into a creamy, satisfying dish.
What to Expect
Prepare for a spoonful of pure comfort. Each bite of this BLT risotto offers a wonderfully creamy texture from the Arborio rice, rich with savory bacon and the bright, slightly acidic burst of fresh tomatoes. The fragrant basil infuses the entire dish with a summery herbaceousness, while a subtle hint of minced jalapeño provides an unexpected, welcome warmth. Finished with Parmesan cheese and a touch of butter, it's a hearty yet surprisingly fresh entree that tastes like the best parts of summer in a bowl.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to adjust the heat level by adding more or less minced jalapeño to suit your preference. While basil is key to the "BLT" essence here, you could experiment with a different fresh herb like oregano or parsley if basil isn't on hand. For a richer tomato flavor, consider using sun-dried tomatoes alongside or instead of fresh chopped tomatoes. If you prefer to lighten the dish, you can reduce the amount of bacon or use turkey bacon.
Serving & Context
This risotto is an ideal entree for a relaxed summer evening, offering a complete meal in one bowl. Serve it warm, topped with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil, perhaps alongside a simple green salad to balance the richness.