5 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth, or vegetable broth
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves chopped
3-4 scallions chopped
3 cups chopped kabocha squash (1/2-inch pieces)
2 cups shiitake mushroom caps, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/8 teaspoon crumbled saffron threads, (optional)
1 cup arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
For the Tangy Chards:
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bunch rainbow chard, rinsed and thinly sliced (about 1⁄2 pound) 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar, to taste
Directions
Tangy Chards:
In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, warm oil. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add chards, a handful at a time and sherry vinegar. Cook until it begins to wilt and tender, about 10 minutes.Transfer to a serving dish.
Risotto:
Place broth in a medium saucepan; bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat so the broth remains steaming, but is not simmering.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in squash and mushrooms; cook, stirring often, until the mushrooms give off their liquid, about 5 minutes. Add thyme, salt, pepper and saffron (if using); cook for 30 seconds. Add rice; stir until translucent, about 1 minute. Add wine (or vermouth) and cook, stirring, until almost absorbed by the rice, about 1 minute.
Stir in 1/2 cup of the hot broth; reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid has been absorbed. Continue adding the broth 1/2 cup at a time, stirring after each addition until all the liquid has been absorbed, until the rice is tender and creamy, 30 to 40 minutes total. (You may have some broth left.) Remove from the heat and stir in cheese. Top with chard and serve.