03 May BLT Risotto
I consider myself to be someone who is in pretty good health, above average even, as it relates to how healthy I am. I usually feel good, I am able to live a fairly active lifestyle, and I am able to do most of the things I want to do. Most of the time. Then one of my chronic conditions flare up: my allergies that lead to sinus infections, the ever continuing back saga, chronic migraines, IBS… and sometimes they all flare up at the same time and make me feel like I am not as healthy as I believe I am. If I am totally honest, they make me feel like I am the exact opposite of healthy; sickly, inferior, and weak.
Here’s the deal, I am pretty sure most of us have some sort of condition that limits us from time to time. Allergies, asthma, arthritis or joint issues, internal conditions like high blood pressure or digestive issues, migraines, the list of possible conditions that could be considered chronic is endless. The thing is most of those conditions are only issues when they limit and prevent you from finding enjoyment in your daily life. The key is to manage them as best as you can within your ability and work around the issues that you can’t manage. We are not weak, we are not inferior, we are not sickly. These conditions do not define us. We have these things that make us stronger, more resilient because we continue to live our life.
For instance, allergies are the bane of my existence right now. I’ve had numerous sinus infections that have resulted. So I take everything I can to try and circumvent the stuffy, running nose, the sinus pressure, the headache, etc so that I can at least attempt to be normal. I also avoid going outside when I know the pollen is the worst (no morning hiking without a lot of medicine). Despite these chronic conditions, I am still in generally good health. And I just need to remember that when they all decide to attack at once. These things are simply obstacles to be worked through.
Onto Bacon! It is the main reason I could never be a totally vegetarian. It’s amazing. BLT’s are the best to showcase the flavor and saltiness of the bacon. Now lets deconstruct that sandwich and add it to the creamy texture of a risotto, and the smokey sweetness of sundered tomatoes…. comfort in a bowl. This recipe uses pancetta, basically Italian bacon, spinach and sun dried tomatoes and adding it to risotto; makes for a great side along some grilled spicy salmon (check back here for the recipe) but easily could be a great dinner for two. Enjoy!
BLT Risotto
BLT Risotto
Ingredients
2 ounces pancetta, sliced into thin strips
1 T olive oil
1 cup arborio rice
3 cups low sodium chicken broth
6 sun dried tomoatos, diced
1 cup leafy greens (escarole, spinach, kale, etc), chopped
grated parmesan cheese, optional
directions
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add pancetta and cook until crisp. Removed from skillet with a slotted spoon and allow to drain on a paper towel.
Add arborio rice to the skillet, and stir. Allowing the rice to absorb the oil for 1 minute, then slowly add 1 cup of broth. Stir occassionally until most of the broth is absorb. Cntinue to add broth 1/2 cup at a time until there is 1 cup remaining to be added. Add tomatoes and stir. Continue adding broth by half-cups until rice is tender. Add leafy greens and remove from heat. Stir in pancetta and top with parmesan cheese.
Serves 4
CAL 256 * Fat 7g * Carbs 40g (fiber 0 * sugar 2g) * Protein 9g
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