Grilled Sweet Corn and Shrimp Risotto

Tampa chef Chris Ponte of Cafe Ponte inspired this restaurant-quality dish that is easy enough to make at home. Fresh corn kernels add a sweet crunch to this creamy risotto with citrus dusted shrimp.

Ingredients

  • 5 ears Sunshine Sweet corn, preferably in husks
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1-1/2 pounds shrimp, shelled and deveined (about 20 large)
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon or orange rind
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup butter, divided
  • 2 cups chopped onion (1 large)
  • 1 leek (white part only), quartered lengthwise and sliced (about ½ cup)
  • 3 cups Arborio or short-grain rice
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced scallion (green onion)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
  • 1 tablespoon sliced chives

Directions

Preheat grill or oven to 375ºF. Grill or roast corn in the husk or wrapped in aluminum foil for 20 minutes; set aside to cool.  Cut kernels from 3 of the ears (makes about 2-¼ cups).  Cut remaining 2 ears crosswise in 2-inch pieces; reserve.  Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over high heat, bring broth to a boil; reduce heat to low to keep broth warm.  In a bowl, toss shrimp with rind, salt and pepper.  In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter.  Add shrimp; cook and stir just until pink, about 3 minutes; remove to a bowl and reserve.  In the same saucepan, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter.  Add onion and leek; cook and stir until tender, about 5 minutes. Add rice; stir until combined and rice is hot. Add wine; cook and stir until the wine has almost evaporated, about 4 minutes.  Add 1 cup of the warm broth. Cook, stirring continuously, gradually adding additional broth as it’s absorbed until all the broth has been incorporated and the rice is tender and creamy, about 15 minutes. If additional liquid is needed, add 2 tablespoons of water at a time until creamy. When the risotto has finished cooking, stir in the corn kernels, shrimp and scallions; cook just until reheated. Divide risotto among six dinner plates.  Garnish with reserved corn sections, basil and chives.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: about 30 minutes

Number of Servings: 6 portions (about 12 cups)

Calories: 532

Nutritional Information:
Per portion: 532 calories, 35 g protein, 11 g fat, 68 g carbohydrate, 486 mg sodium