Chive Risotto Cakes

~Chive Risotto Cakes~

Recipe Courtesy: Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics

4-6 servings (2-3 patties each)

This recipe includes ingredients that I don't use often (Panko, Arborio rice, Greek Yogurt), but I decided to "branch out" anyway, as this recipe looked so delicious on the Barefoot Contessa's cooking show. I was not dissapointed - and neither was my husband (which is who I aim to please at supper time!). He told me this was a keeper!

A quick note: the rice mixture does need at least 2 hours to chill before preparing them to eat. So it's not a recipe you start at 6pm. It's a good make ahead meal, as the last minute prep goes very quickly.

• Kosher Salt
• 1 cup uncooked Arborio rice
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or 1 5.3 oz container)
• 2 extra large eggs
• 3 T minced fresh chives
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Italian fontina cheese (5 oz)
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 3/4 cup Panko(Japanese dried bread crumbs)*
• *I used about 1 1/2 cups, 3/4 wasn't enough in my opinion.
• olive oil

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-low heat, and add 1/2 T salt and the rice. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes. The grains of rice will be quite soft. Drain the rice and run under cold walter until cool. Drain well.

Meanwhile, whisk together the yogurt, eggs, chives, fontina, 1 1/4 tsp of salt, and the pepper in a medium bowl. Add the cooled rice and mix well. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight, until firm.

Spread the panko in a shallow dish. Heat 3 T of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. From rice mixture into patties 3 inches in diameter and 3/4 inches thick. Place patties in the panko, turning once to coat. Place the patties in the hot oil and cook, turning once, for about 3 minutes on each side until the risotto cakes are crisp and nicely browned. Continue cooking in batches, adding oil as necessary, until all the cakes are fried.

These risotto cakes are creamy on the inside and crisp on the outside - a wonderful combination! It reminded us of cross between creamy mac n cheese & crispy hash browns. In short...comfort food. Enjoy!