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The title of this we(blog) is a response to the snarky and mildly offensive attitude of some Los Angeles county beach community residents, namely, that There Is No Life East Of Sepulveda.

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Saturday, February 11, 2012

Mushroom and Turkey Risotto

This is my risotto variation trying to approach the rich taste of Tetrazzini with a side benefit of lower calories. The fabulous flavor of turkey is preferable to chicken if you can get it.

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 1/2 lb turkey or chicken thighs
  • 1 lb (400 g) arborio rice
  • 6 cups rich homemade chicken stock or low sodium store-bought stock, heated to a low simmer
  • 1/4 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 lb crimini or button mushrooms, quartered lengthwise
  • 1/4 cup dry sherry, plus extra for finishing
  • 3 Tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan plus extra for garnish (preferably Italian)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 Tbsp grapeseed, canola or regular olive oil
PREPARATION

- Season turkey thighs with salt and pepper, then sear in a hot large heavy-bottomed, straight sided pan with 1 Tbsp oil. Remove, cool, strip meat from bones and chop into bite-sized pieces. They should be a little undercooked, because they will cook more later.

- Add 2 Tbsp butter to the same pan and saute onion on medium heat until translucent. Add rice and saute for a couple of minutes until the rice is coated and smells slightly nutty. Add mushrooms and sautee briefly.

- Deglaze pan with the sherry and let cook off for 30 seconds or so. Ladle hot stock over rice 1 cup at a time to just cover and to keep it stirrable (loose) and creamy. Simmer on low heat and stir regularly to avoid sticking to bottom of pan.

- It is done when the rice is firm to the bite (al dente) but not crunchy at all; test it after every ladle of stock has been mostly absorbed. Once the rice is mostly cooked (about 15 minutes of simmering), add the turkey back to the pan.

- Once the rice is al dente, you may need cook slightly longer with a little extra stock and a dash of sherry to achieve a barely loose and creamy consistency. Turn off the heat, stir in the cheese and the rest of the butter until incorporated.

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