Mushroom and kale risotto

This lovely risotto is textural and beautifully herby, and very easy once you get past all the stirring! Feel free to experiment with different types of mushies too. And if you have any left over then go crazy making arancini!

Fresh from the garden: mushrooms, Tuscan kale (cavolo nero), marjoram, garlic, onion
Recipe source: Melissa
Serves: 8 at home or 24 tastes

What to do:

• Measure the water into the saucepan, add the bouillon and bring it to a simmer on medium heat.
• Meanwhile wipe the dirt from the mushrooms with a piece of paper towel, trim any ugly bits and then thinly slice the mushrooms.
• Wash and spin dry the marjoram, strip and discard the stems. Wash the kale leaves, trim from the stalks and finely slice into ribbons.
• Squeeze the garlic cloves through the press into a small bowl. Peel and finely chop the onion.
• Heat half the butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil and butter over medium heat in the stockpot. Add half the chopped onion and cook gently until just tender, about three minutes. Do not brown. Add the mushrooms and garlic and a pinch of flaked salt and sauté for 3 or 4 minutes until the mushrooms are starting to colour. Remove from the pan and reserve in a medium bowl.
• Heat the rest of the butter and another 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the same pan & then add the rest of the onions. Cook until translucent & then stir in the rice until the grains begin to crackle.
• Begin adding the simmering stock, a ladle at a time, and stir in until fully absorbed. The stock should just cover the rice and bubble. Add the kale, and stir every minute or so for about 15 minutes, making sure you get into all the corners of the pan with the wooden spoon.
• Meanwhile, zest the lemon and grate the parmesan to yield about ½ cup.
• After about 15 minutes, add the mushrooms backto the rice and keep stirring for about another 5 minutes. When the rice is just tender all the way through but still slightly firm, usually in about 20 minutes, it is done.
• When you are ready to serve, add in a last ladleful of stock. Stir in the marjoram, lemon zest and parmesan, and remove from the heat. Taste now and check the seasoning. The mixture should be creamy.
• Serve onto the soup plates and eat right away!