Sweet Corn Risotto

If you’re looking for a delightful way to enjoy the last of summer’s sweet corn, then this Sweet Corn Risotto is just the ticket! It’s creamy, comforting, and bursting with fresh flavor. This dish effortlessly combines the sweetness of corn with the rich texture of risotto, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll understand why this recipe has become such a beloved staple in my kitchen!

What makes this Sweet Corn Risotto truly special is how it uses every part of the corn cob. The kernels add that wonderful pop of sweetness and texture while the cobs infuse the broth with deep corn flavor as it simmers. Whether you’re enjoying it as a solo dish or dressed up with some sautéed turkey strips, this risotto is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With simple steps and ingredients, you can whip up this risotto without any fuss.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and sweet bites of corn.
• Versatile serving options: Enjoy it on its own or dress it up with toppings for an elevated meal.
• Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week.
• Celebrate summer flavors: This dish is a great way to savor those end-of-summer sweet corn harvests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for Sweet Corn Risotto is easy! These are wholesome and simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create a delicious meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Risotto

• 7 cups vegetable stock or broth
• 1 dried bay leaf
• optional: 1 parmesan rind
• 3 ears sweet corn, kernels sliced off of cob & divided
• 4 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 sweet onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated & divided
• 1 1/4 cups arborio rice
• 1/2 cup dry, unoaked white grape juice
• 1 orange bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup grated parmesan (approx. 2 ounces)
• 4 ounces diced turkey strips (optional)
• kosher salt & ground black pepper, to season

Variations

This Sweet Corn Risotto recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to switch things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap in different grains: If you’re feeling adventurous, try using farro or quinoa instead of arborio rice for a unique twist.
• Add seasonal veggies: Toss in zucchini or peas along with the corn for added color and nutrition.
• Go vegan: Omit the parmesan and butter; instead use nutritional yeast and olive oil for creamy goodness without dairy.
• Change up the protein: Use chickpeas or grilled chicken instead of turkey strips for a heartier version!

How to Make Sweet Corn Risotto

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

Start by adding the vegetable broth, spent corn cobs, bay leaf, and optional parmesan rind into a large pot over high heat. Bringing it to a simmer before reducing the heat allows all those lovely flavors from the cobs to infuse into your broth. This step is crucial—it’s where your risotto will get its depth of flavor!

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In another large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Once it’s melted, add in your diced onion seasoned with kosher salt. Cooking until softened (about 5 minutes) helps bring out their natural sweetness. Afterward, throw in two cloves of garlic until fragrant—this adds an aromatic base that makes everything taste divine.

Step 3: Toast the Arborio Rice

Next, stir in your arborio rice and cook for about 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted. Toasting the rice enhances its nutty flavor and helps achieve that creamy consistency we all love in risotto.

Step 4: Add Liquid Gradually

Now it’s time to deglaze! Pour in your dry grape juice and scrape any browned bits from the bottom—this adds even more flavor. Reduce heat to medium-low before adding those beautiful kernels from two ears of sweet corn along with diced bell pepper. Gradually add warm corn stock one ladleful at a time while stirring frequently. The key here is patience; let each addition absorb before adding more!

Step 5: Cook Turkey Strips (Optional)

While your risotto simmers away beautifully, grab a small skillet and melt half a tablespoon of reserved butter over medium heat. Toss in those turkey strips until they start rendering their juices. Then mix in any remaining sweet corn kernels along with garlic—cook until crispy! This topping adds texture that complements our creamy risotto perfectly.

Step 6: Finish Your Risotto

Once your arborio rice reaches that wonderful al dente stage (about 20-25 minutes), stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter along with grated parmesan cheese. Give it a taste test and season with salt and pepper as needed—this final touch brings everything together!

Step 7: Serve Up!

Finally, serve your Sweet Corn Risotto topped with turkey strips mixture along with fresh herbs if desired! A sprinkle of extra parmesan never hurts either! Enjoy every comforting bite!

Pro Tips for Making Sweet Corn Risotto

Making risotto can be a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your dish to perfection!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh sweet corn and high-quality vegetable stock are key to achieving that vibrant flavor. Freshness enhances the taste, making your risotto burst with summer goodness.

• Stir consistently: Regular stirring helps release the starch from the arborio rice, creating that creamy texture we love. It also prevents the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.

• Add broth gradually: Introducing the warm broth one ladle at a time allows the rice to absorb flavors fully. This slow process is essential for developing that rich, creamy consistency.

• Taste as you go: Start checking for doneness around 15 minutes into cooking. Every stove is different, and tasting ensures you achieve that perfect al dente bite!

• Finish with a flourish: Adding butter and cheese at the end makes all the difference! It enriches the dish and gives it a velvety finish that’s truly irresistible.

How to Serve Sweet Corn Risotto

Presentation can transform your sweet corn risotto from a simple meal into an impressive dish. Here are some tasty ways to serve it up!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Chopped chives or basil add a pop of color and bright flavor.
• Extra parmesan: A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan on top enhances creaminess and provides a savory kick.

Side Dishes

• Arugula salad: A light salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy risotto.
• Grilled vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini or bell peppers drizzled with olive oil and grilled add a smoky depth that complements the dish beautifully.
• Garlic bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover risotto—plus, who can resist it?
• Roasted asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted until crispy make for an elegant side that pairs wonderfully with sweet corn flavors.

Now you’re ready to create and serve an unforgettable Sweet Corn Risotto! Enjoy every bite of this comforting dish as you savor those last days of summer. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

Sweet Corn Risotto is not only delightful on the day it’s made but also fantastic for meal prep! This dish can be easily stored or frozen, making it ideal for those busy days when you want a comforting meal without extra fuss.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the risotto to cool down to room temperature.
• Transfer it into an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the risotto cool completely before freezing.
• Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water as needed to restore creaminess.
• Stir frequently until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Sweet Corn Risotto that might help you out!

Can I make Sweet Corn Risotto vegan?

Yes! To make this risotto vegan, simply replace the butter with olive oil and omit the parmesan or use a plant-based substitute. The dish will still be creamy and delicious!

How do I achieve creamy Sweet Corn Risotto?

The key to a creamy risotto is stirring frequently while gradually adding warm stock. This helps release the starches in the arborio rice, creating that delightful creamy texture we all love.

What can I serve with Sweet Corn Risotto?

This dish pairs wonderfully with sautéed vegetables, grilled chicken, or seafood like shrimp or scallops. You can also enjoy it as a standalone dish!

Can I substitute any ingredients in Sweet Corn Risotto?

Absolutely! You can use different types of broth, such as vegetable or mushroom broth, and replace sweet corn with seasonal veggies if desired. Adjusting seasonings can also give it a fresh twist!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Sweet Corn Risotto as much as I do! It’s truly special because it captures the essence of summer with every creamy bite and bursts of sweet corn flavor. Enjoy creating this comforting dish for yourself and your loved ones – I’m sure you’ll bring smiles to their faces. Happy cooking!