Chorizo and Pepper Risotto

I LOVE RICE!

I don’t like to mess with perfection, and I was so pleasantly surprised by the last time I made a risotto in the oven that I’ve decided to do it all over again! Of course, I’m changing the flavours around a little, but the basic method is the same.

I really stand by this kind of cooking, it is really simple to change recipes around by adding a different meat, or adding some spices, or even just changing the veggies can make a big difference and stop you getting fed up with dishes.

I decided to go kind of Mexican style with this risotto, with peppers, paprika and chorizo. Delicious for dinner and for leftover lunch the next day!

serves 2-3, with leftovers

Ingredients

• 1 small onion
• 1 small leek
• 1 pepper
• 2 garlic cloves
• ½ a deseeded chilli
• 200g chorizo sausage
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper
• 250g risotto rice
• 750ml vegetable stock
• 100ml white wine
• Grated cheese (I’m using Mexicana spicy cheese) to finish,optional

Method

Begin by prepping the vegetables by chopping them small. Set these aside and chop the chorizo.

Fry the chorizo on a medium-high heat, there’s no need to add any extra oil, as we know full well the orange oily goodness that chorizo quickly release. Fry for 5 minutes, drain off some of the oil at the end if it looks like you have a lot.

Throw in the vegetables and stir, cooking for about 5 more minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 200 degrees.

Add the paprika, oregano and seasoning and stir to mix.

Now, tip in the rice and stir well, ensuring it is coated in the chorizo oil and it is all evenly distributed.

Let cook for one minute and then throw in the stock and white wine. Stir again, then tip the whole mixture into a large ovenproof dish. If you have an ovenproof pot then use this for the whole thing.

Cover the dish, place in the oven and cook for 30 minutes, stirring after 15.

Remove from the oven after the 30 minutes and allow to sit for a few minutes. Grate your cheese and set the table!

Sprinkle with cheese and serve!