Risotto Cakes
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Bring the stock to a boil in a small saucepan, then reduce the heat and keep warm. Melt the 2 teaspoons oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat and sweat the onion, celery, and fennel for about 5 minutes. Add the rice and stir for 2–3 minutes, then add the sherry and stir until it is absorbed. Using a ladle, start adding the stock a cup or so at a time, and stir until the liquid is absorbed. About halfway through add a little salt and pepper. When all the stock is added, taste the rice. It should be tender but not mushy. (It’s okay if the rice is still a little firm, as it will continue to cook after it is removed from the heat.) Add the Parmesan and the herbs, then remove it from the heat and let cool a couple of minutes before stirring in the fontina. Check the seasoning one more time, then pour the rice into a pan and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (until the rice is cool enough to handle). Use your hands to form 3- to 4-inch cakes (they should be a little smaller than hockey pucks) and set aside. Meanwhile, prepare shrimp.
Step 2
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the cakes (two or three at a time so as not to overcrowd the pan) until golden and crispy, 3–4 minutes on each side. Serve the warm cakes alongside the roasted shrimp.
