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Risotto with Smoked Turkey, Leeks, and Mascarpone
© Melanie Acevedo

Risotto with Smoked Turkey, Leeks, and Mascarpone

Contributed by Quick From Scratch Chicken
  • ACTIVE: 5 MIN
  • TOTAL TIME: 55 MIN
  • SERVINGS: 4

The mascarpone gives this risotto its delectable creaminess. If you like, you can make a close substitute with 2 ounces of cream cheese, at room temperature, and 7 ounces of heavy cream. Whir them in a blender just until smooth; don't blend the mixture t...

  1. 5 cups canned low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock, more if needed
  2. 1 cup water, more if needed
  3. 3 tablespoons olive oil
  4. 2 cups arborio rice
  5. 1/2 cup dry white wine
  6. 2 teaspoons salt
  7. 1 6-ounce piece smoked turkey, cut into 1/4-inch dice
  8. 1 cup mascarpone cheese
  9. 1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
  10. 1 1/2 pounds leeks (about 3), white and light-green parts only, cut crosswise into thin slices and washed well
  1. In a medium saucepan, bring the broth and water to a simmer.
  2. In a large pot, heat the oil over moderately low heat. Add the leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the rice and stir until it begins to turn opaque, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add the wine and salt to the rice and cook, stirring frequently, until all of the wine has been absorbed.
  4. Add about 1/2 cup of the simmering broth to the rice and cook, stirring frequently, until the broth has been completely absorbed. The rice and broth should bubble gently; adjust the heat as needed. Continue cooking the rice, adding the broth 1/2 cup at a time and allowing the rice to absorb the stock before adding the next 1/2 cup. Cook the rice in this way until tender, 25 to 30 minutes in all. The broth that hasn't been absorbed should be thickened by the starch from the rice. You may not need to use all of the liquid, or you may need to add more broth or water. Stir in the turkey, cheese, and pepper.

Suggested Pairing

Go for an Italian white wine with good body and acidity to offset the creaminess here. Look for an Arneis from the Piedmont region or a Pinot Grigio from the region of Alto Adige or Collio.