*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                      RISOTTO WITH LAMB CASSEROLE

Recipe By     :
Serving Size  : 8    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Meats                            Casseroles
               Chronicle

 Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  2 1/2   lb           Leg of lamb or lamb shoulder
                       Trimmed, bones and cut into
                       1-in cubes
                       Olive oil
    1/4   ts           Each, dried: rosemary,
                       Thyme and white pepper
                       Salt to taste
  4 1/2   c            Vegetable broth (recipe
                       Follows)
    1/2   ts           Saffron threads or ground
                       Turmeric
  1 1/2   c            Arborio rice
  1 1/2   c            Dry white wine, such as
                       Pinot Grigio
 10                    Baby asparagus spears, each
                       Cut into 2 (1-1/2-in pieces)
                       And lightly steamed
    1/2   c            Freshly grated Parmesan
                       Cheese
  1 1/2   c            Tomatoes, chopped
                       VEGETABLE BROTH
    3/4   c            Each, chopped: onion,celery,
                       Carrots and mushrooms
  4 1/2   c            Water

 Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Lightly and quickly sear
 cubed lamb in 1/3 cup olive oil in a skillet over high
 heat. Do not let the meat cook inside.Remove lamb with
 slotted spoon immediately and place in a 3-qt
 casserole that has been coated with vegetable spray.
 Add thyme, rosemary and pepper to casserole and toss
 with meat;season with salt.
 Cover casserole with lid or a piece of aluminum foil
 and bake 30 minutes. Lamb should be very tender.
 When the casserole goes in the oven, reheat broth with
 saffron threads (to soften) over medium heat;set
 aside. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a saucepan over
 medium heat;add rice and saute 2 to 3 minutes. Add 3
 cups hot broth to rice and stir well. Simmer rice,
 stirring occasionally, until it begins to have a
 cremay texture. To do this, add wine and remaining
 broth, a little at a time, stirring till liquid is
 almost absorbed before adding more. The process takes
 about 20 to 25 minutes. Do not overcook;rice should
 remain slightly firm. Gently stir in asparagus and
 Parmesan. Spoon rice in a layer over lamb and garnish
 with the chopped tomatoes.
 VEGETABLE BROTH: Simmer chopped vegetables in water 1
 hour. Strain broth and use as directed.



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