Sweet red bell pepper balances the bitterness of broccoli rabe in this risotto. If you can’t find broccoli rabe, use chard instead. Make it a meal: Serve with Arugula & Strawberry Salad.

Makes 4 servings, 1 1/2 cups each

ACTIVE TIME: 45 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 45 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

2 cloves garlic
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
4-5 1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 onion, finely chopped
1 cup arborio rice
1 bunch broccoli rabe (rapini) or Swiss chard, stemmed and coarsely chopped
2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt & freshly ground pepper to taste

1. Place garlic, rosemary and crushed red pepper in a large teaball or wrap in cheesecloth. Put in a 3-quart saucepan, add broth and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add bell pepper and onion and cook, stirring, until softened, 4 to 6 minutes. Stir in rice and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
3. Ladle in 1/2 cup of simmering broth and cook, stirring frequently, until most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 1 minute. Continue stirring and adding broth as it is absorbed, 1/2 cup at a time, until only 1 cup of broth remains, about 15 minutes total.
4. Stir in broccoli rabe (or chard) and remaining broth. Cook, stirring, until the rice is just tender and the mixture is creamy, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Microwave method:
1. Place garlic, rosemary and crushed red pepper in a large teaball or wrap in cheesecloth. Put in a 3-quart saucepan, add broth and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Stir together oil, bell pepper and onion in a 3-quart microwave-safe casserole dish. Microwave, uncovered, on High until vegetables have softened, 5 to 6 minutes, stirring once.
3. Add rice, stirring to coat the grains. Pour in the 4 cups of simmering broth, cover with a lid or plastic wrap and microwave on High until boiling, 5 to 6 minutes. Microwave on medium for 15 minutes.
4. Stir in broccoli rabe (or chard), cover again and microwave on Medium until the rice is just tender and the mixture is creamy, about 3 minutes more. Rotate the casserole dish once if necessary.
5. Remove from microwave. Stir and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Stir in Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 241 calories; 7 g fat (3 g sat, 3 g mono); 19 mg cholesterol; 29 g carbohydrate; 16 g protein; 2 g fiber; 501 mg sodium; 127 mg potassium.
2 Carbohydrate Servings
Exchanges: 1 1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat