Chicken Mushroom Risotto

• serves 4

• Preparation time: 15

• Cooking time: 20

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 stick celery, finely chopped
500g chicken stir-fry strips
2 bacon rashers, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups aborio rice
1 litre (4 cups) chicken stock
250g button mushrooms, thinly sliced
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups frozen peas and corn
1/2 cup finely grated parmesan
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

Method

1. Heat oil in a large, flameproof casserole dish (20-cup capacity) over a medium heat. Add onion, garlic and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft.

2. Add chicken and bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken has changed in colour. Add rice, stock and mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring to boil. Cover with lid.

3. Cook in a moderate oven (180C) for 15 minutes. Remove and stir in peas and corn. Return to oven for a further 5 minutes or until rice is tender.

4. To serve, stir in cheese and parsley.

Notes

Any leftover risotto can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days ahead. To reheat, stir in extra stock or water. Any frozen vegetables can be stirred into risotto. Or boil or steam chopped sweet potato, pumpkin, broccoli or asparagus. Chopped ham, smoked chicken or seafood can be added. Risoni, rice-shaped pasta, can be substituted for the Arborio rice, if you prefer.