Chorizo & Kale Risotto

1. Tomato passata is pureed tomatoes and comes in bottles. You can purchase it in the pasta aisle in Australian supermarkets. You could also puree canned tomato OR substitute with 1 tbsp tomato paste + 1 x 400g/14oz can crushed tomato + 1/2 cup water.

2. Arborio is a type of rice that is used specifically for risotto.

3. Kale bunches differ drastically in size, so I measure it roughly by cups! To prepare kale leaves, remove the leaves from the tough thick stalk running through the middle of each kale leaf. Then tear into bite size pieces. I used about 3 large kale leaves to get 5 packed cups.

4. Having the stock warm makes the risotto cook more evenly and creamy, as risotto should be! Adding cold stock into the risotto brings the temperature down and your risotto won't be as creamy, also the outside of the rice can overcook and become mushy before the inside is cooked.

5. You may not need all the liquid. If you need more, use hot tap water.

6. Risotto does not keep well! It absorbs all the liquid and becomes firm. Use leftovers for Arancini Balls (also here are a baked version)- heavenly! Or add egg and cheese and make FRITTERS!

7. Use the raw chorizo that needs to be cooked before eating, not the cured chorizo that is like salami that can be eaten without cooking.