Roasted Cauliflower Risotto

Oh my.  This has to be one of the best risottos I have ever had.  I have made risotto before but this recipe was a little different, it was actually a little easier.  It also made a lot!

Ingredients:

1 head cauliflower, florets cut into 1/2 inch pieces

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

1/4 cup sliced almonds

1/2 medium onion, finely chopped

1 1/2 cups short-grain Italian rice (I used arborio)

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 cup dry white wine

3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 ounces Italian fontina cheese, grated (1 1/2 cups)

1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 475 degrees F. Toss the cauliflower florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil on a baking sheet. Spread in a single layer and season with salt and pepper. Roast on the upper rack, 5 minutes. Add the almonds and roast until the cauliflower is tender, about 15 more minutes. 

Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a dutch oven over high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. 

Add the rice and garlic and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Add the wine and cook, stirring, until evaporated, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the broth, 2 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt; cover and bring to a boil. Transfer the pot to the lower oven rack and bake until the rice is tender, about 15 minutes.

Remove the rice from the oven and add the butter, fontina, and parsley, stirring vigorously until the risotto is creamy, 1 to 2 minutes. 

Divide among bowls and top with the roasted cauliflower and almonds. 

Enjoy!

I had this guy staring at me while I ate, waiting for something to fall his way...