Shrimp Scampi Over Spring Veggie Risotto

Mmmmm.....shrimp.....Mmmm.....risotto.....
I have an extra special recipe for you all today, it is a "two for one" kind of deal!!!  Who doesn't love risotto?  I bet you didn't know it was so easy to make at home!  It takes time since you need to constantly stir it, but I would still consider it simple!  Top it off with some yummy shrimp, and you've got yourself a delicious meal!  I served it with a salad on the side, my favorite!  Here are the recipes...

Spring Veggie Risotto
Ingredients:

2 tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil

3/4 cup minced onion

2-3 cloves of garlic - minced

salt & pepper (to taste)

1 cup of peas

1 15 oz can of artichoke hearts - chopped

1 1/2 cups arborio rice

6-7 cups of Chicken Stock or Broth

1/2 cup of white wine

1 tbsp. of lemon juice

1 tbsp. of chopped parsley

Directions:

1. Bring your stock or broth to a simmer over low heat.  

2. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat -add the onion. Cook until translucent for about five minutes, add the garlic, and cook for another 1-2 minutes.  

3.  Turn the heat up to medium high and stir in the rice - keep stirring for about 2-3 minutes.   Add the wine & lemon juice, and stir until it has been absorbed. Turn the heat back down to medium.   

4.  Start to add the stock about 1-2 ladlefuls at a time (should just cover the rice).  Cook, stirring often until the rice has absorbed the stock- then add more broth.  Continue this process until the rice is tender.  Add the peas and chopped artichoke hearts when you are down to the last few ladle-fuls.  The entire process should take about 25-30 minutes.  You may or may not need to use all of the stock (I used all 7 cups).  Season with salt and pepper.  Top with shrimp scampi (recipe below), and parsley - serve!

Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients:

1 lb. of shrimp (I used the small uncooked frozen shrimp with the tail off)

3 tbsp. of butter

1 tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil

3-4 cloves of garlic - minced 

1/2 cup of white wine

2 tbsp. of lemon juice

pepper (to taste)

Directions:

1.  In a large pan over medium heat - melt butter, and heat olive oil.  

2.  Add garlic, cook for 1-2 minutes then add shrimp.

3.  Add white wine, and lemon juice - stirring often until the liquid begins to reduce, and shrimp turns pink.  Add pepper to taste.

I hope you enjoy this one....it was one of our favorites! :)