My Big Fat Italian Life

I had the pleasure of trying Edamame Risotto one summer evening with my parents while we were having dinner at Meridian Hills Country Club. I instantly fell in love and have wanted it ever since. It was something about the texture that hooked me. Also, I love risotto and edamame, so putting them together just seemed like a genius idea and I was jealous I didn’t come up with it all on my own.

I concocted a recipe and have had it saved on my computer, waiting for the right time to make it. I am fairly picky still so I decided on my own ingredients and a mixture of a bunch of recipes. I also don’t measure because I think it adds to the adventure! I have always been told how hard it is to make a good risotto, so I wanted my adventure to be at the right time. What better time than a night spent drinking wine and celebrating two of my best friend’s birthdays!

The Edamame Cooked in Sesame Oil and Seasoned

The Risotto cooking (you have to be patient and constantly stir!)

I was surprised at how easy I thought it was to make the risotto. This dish, which seemed so complicated at first, was fairly simple and I can’t wait to continue to experiment with the flavors.

Edamame Risotto

Sesame oil

1 tbsp unsalted butter

1 cup Arborio Rice

2 cups (or more) shelled edamame

Soy sauce (reduced sodium)

Ground ginger

2-½ tbsp olive oil

½ cup white cooking wine

4 cups hot water

Crumbled goat cheese

Romano cheese

Dried basil

Salt and pepper

Heat sesame oil over medium heat (just enough in to lightly cover the bottom the pan). Once hot, add the edamame,  lightly cover in soy sauce, and add a few shakes of ground ginger. Continue to stir until the liquid has evaporated and let cool.

Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan. Add the rice and coat in oil. Toast the rice for about 3 minutes. Reduce heat and add some garlic powder (a few shakes) and the white wine. Once the wine has evaporated, add in 1 1/3 cup of hot water. Stir continuously until the water has evaporated and the consistency is creamy. Continue this process two more times. Remember to keep stirring. Once the rice is creamy, but still slightly firm, remove from heat.

Add the cooked edamame, Romano cheese, basil (to taste), and some goat cheese (to taste). Season with salt and pepper and Enjoy!