Hearty Italian Sausage and Roasted Vegetable Risotto

This Hearty Italian Sausage and Roasted Vegetable Risotto is a savory one-pot wonder that’s perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The creamy Arborio rice absorbs the bold flavors of the Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, and earthy vegetables to create a comforting and satisfying meal. Garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, this risotto is a true Italian delight that you won’t be able to resist.

Ingredients:
For the Risotto:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup dry white wine
– 4 cups chicken broth, kept warm
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Roasted Vegetables:
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
– 1 zucchini, diced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2: Roast the Vegetables
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes.
2. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Toss to coat.
3. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Italian Sausage
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage.
2. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Risotto Base
1. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the rice is well-coated with oil and slightly toasted.
4. Pour in the dry white wine and cook until it has mostly evaporated.

Step 5: Cook the Risotto
1. Begin adding the warm chicken broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Allow the liquid to be absorbed before adding the next ladle. Continue this process until the rice is creamy and cooked al dente, about 18-20 minutes.
2. Stir in the cooked Italian sausage and roasted vegetables.

Step 6: Finish the Risotto
1. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve
1. Ladle the risotto into serving bowls.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy your Hearty Italian Sausage and Roasted Vegetable Risotto!

This dish is sure to become a favorite in your household, combining robust flavors with the creamy texture of classic risotto. Bon appétit!