Basil & Sun Dried Tomato Risotto Cakes

This is a new twist on a favorite recipe of mine.  You have heard of crab cakes, of course, well these are similar but instead of crab, they are made with risotto.  There is a new product coming out on the market that I had the privlege of testing this week.  It is made by Knorr and it is a concentrated version of homestyle chicken stock.  It comes in this cute little container, (similar to the dressing cups you get at fast food restaurants), and it makes 3 1/2 cups of stock!  You can use a multitude of things to dilute it (think water, fruit juice, cider, etc.)  So this is what I used in my recipe.  I think you are really going to like it!!

Basil & Sun Dried Tomato Risotto Cakes with Mozzarella
Serving Size:  6 cakes
Total Cook Time:  40 minutes plus 3 hours cooling time

Ingredients:
1/4 cup olive oil
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
3 cloves minced garlic
1 cup arborio rice
1 tub Knorr concentrated chicken stock
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup white wine (optional-or just use 2 1/2 cups water)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups finely chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup julienned sun dried tomatoes
2 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese (in 2" pieces)
Salt and Pepper to taste

1.  Heat 1 tablespoon  olive oil in pan with tight fitting lid. Add onions and garlic and cook until tender.  Stir in rice - cook 1 minute.

2.  Add Knorr concentrated chicken stock, 1 cup white wine, and 1 cup water.  The concentrated stock just melts like butter...amazing and delicious.  Bring to a boil while stirring constantly.  Reduce heat to low, cover and cook until rice is tender but firm, approximately 15 minutes.

3.  Remove lid and turn off heat.  Add remaining water, parmesan, basil, sun dried tomatoes, salt and pepper.  Stir to combine with rice.  Allow risotto to cool to room temperature.  Refrigerate covered until risotto is completely chilled (about 3 hours).

4.  When risotto is cold, form into patties.  Insert piece of fresh mozzarella into center, making sure it is completely covered.  I like to make a thin patty...just like making hamburgers, then add the mozzarella, and top it with another thin patty.  Squeeze the edges together, and waa-laa!

5.  Over medium heat, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a 10" skillet.  Add cakes, making sure they are not touching.  Cook until brown, about 5-8 minutes each side.  Serve immediately.

Yummy goodness. 

Enjoy!!