Memoirs of an Amateur Cook

After a yummy meal out with friends on Wednesday night, Thursday saw the arrival of roast turkey part 4 and it was Mr MAC’s turn to cook.

We both really enjoy making risotto and probably make them, on average, once a week.  I find that risotto are so versatile and you can use lots of different ingredients.  We some times use chilli and butternut squash to make a veggie risotto or smoked salmon and marscapone for a pescetarian version.

Last night, Mr MAC made turkey, pea and mushroom risotto.

Leftover Roast Turkey, Pea and Mushroom Risotto

(Makes four large portions)

One large onion, diced

Two garlic cloves, crushed

A large handful of assorted mushrooms

300g risotto rice

Dash of white wine

Chicken stock

Cooked Turkey

A large handful of frozen peas

Parmesan Cheese

Fresh thyme leaves

Salt and pepper

1. Place a saucepan of chicken stock on a medium heat.
2. Spray a large frying pan with frylight.  When the pan is hot, add the onion and garlic and cook on a medium heat for 3-4 minutes.  The onion should be soft but not brown. 
3. Add the mushrooms and cook for a few minutes.
4. Add the risotto rice and wine and cook for a few minutes until all of the wine is absorbed.
5. Add a ladle full of chicken stock to the frying pan one at a time.  Allow the rice to fully absorb the liquid before adding more.  Keep stirring throughout.
6. When the rice is almost completely cooked, add the turkey and peas and another ladle of stock.  Allow the turkey to heat through and the peas to cook.
7. Season and add thyme to taste.
8. Stir through some grated parmesan and sprinkle on top of the dish when serving.

Of course, the above recipe can be adjusted to using cooked chicken too.  It is very easily adaptable – sugar snap peas can be chucked in the pan or asparagus instead when it is in season.

The risotto was really creamy and tasty as well as fairly healthy as it does not use cream or butter.  Of course, a side salad would make it extra saintly!

We had more than enough left over for lunch today so, the roast turkey has made us another 4 meals!  That’s 12 meals in total so far and we still have some left to cook with tonight….watch this space!!