Tomato risotto with baby mozzarella balls

The Italian classic, with a tomato base and topped with baby mozzarella balls and basil.

Ingredients

• 400g/4 cups Arborio rice
• 110g/1/2 cup butter
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 100ml/1/2 cup Italian dry white wine
• 100g/1 cup tomato passata
• 1.2 ltrs/4 1/2 cups simmering veg/chicken stock
• Parmesan cheese
• Baby mozzarella balls
• Fresh basil
• Salt

Method

Now add the butter to a pan on low heat and add the onion. Cook until translucent and soft. Then add the rice and toast for 3-4 minutes. Deglaze with white wine and let evaporate completely.

At this point, proceed with cooking for about 18-20 minutes, adding the broth a ladle at a time, as needed, as it is absorbed by the rice. Add the tomato passata and mix well. After cooking, turn off the heat and season.

Stir in the parmesan and add a knob of butter. Stir and cover with the lid and leave to rest for a couple of minutes. Now it is ready to enjoy! Top with basil and baby mozzarella balls. Buon appetito.