Red Carpet #SundaySupper...Featuring Indulgent Lobster-Champagne Risotto

In honor of the Oscars this evening, #SundaySupper is throwing a Red Carpet bash featuring black tie recipes that be served for any special occasion or party. Our hostess this week is Katie from Ruffles and Truffles, and she asked us to share our favorite special-event recipes. To me, nothing is quite as indulgent as risotto...and I happened to have two lobster tails in my freezer. I knew that lobster would take this basil-kissed risotto into "red carpet" territory! The end result was my Indulgent Lobster-Champagne Risotto. It's an indulgent treat that is a perfect dinner for two. This creamy risotto is flavored with a bit of pesto and parmesan cheese...and morsels of tender lobster meat.

If you're intimidated by the idea of making risotto...don't be! It's not hard, but you do have to be patient and have 20 or so minutes uninterrupted to stand at the stove and stir and add the broth as it cooks. I like to pass the time by listening to some good music...and sipping on a glass of the wine I use to flavor my risott0. In this case...sparkling champagne. Your patience will be rewarded by creamy and indulgent risotto. Once you have the basic technique down, you're ready to experiment with as many variations as your imagination can come up with!

Indulgent Lobster-Champagne Risotto

a Weekend Gourmet Original

Ingredients (for two servings):

• 1 tbs. olive oil
• 1/3 cup diced yellow onion
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced or grated
• 1 cup carnaroli or Arborio rice
• 1/2 cup champagne
• 4 cups warm chicken stock
• 1/3 cup half and half
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan
• 2 tbs. butter
• 2 tbs. chopped basil
• 1 tbs. parsley
• 1 cup chopped cooked lobster meat [NOTE: can sub chopped large shrimp or crawfish tails]
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Step 1: Add the olive oil to a large saucepan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the onion, garlic, and rice. Cook, stirring, until the onion softens and the rice begins to toast -- 2-3 minutes. Add the champagne and cook, stirring, until the rice absorbs most of the champagne.

Step 2: Add 1 cup of the warmed chicken broth. Cook, stirring, until the rice has absorbed most of the broth. Repeat this step two more times (for a total of 3 cups broth) until the rice is cooked al dente and is creamy. If the rice isn't cooked after the third cup of broth is absorbed, add a bit more. With a bit of practice, you'll know when your risotto is at the proper stage.

Step 3: Turn off the heat. Add the butter, parmesan, half and half, basil and parsley. Stir to combine and let the risotto rest while you pour drinks. Just before serving, stir in the cooked lobster.

Step 4: Add the risotto to two shallow bowls or rimmed plates. Top with additional parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley. I served our risotto with toasted garlic bread, but a simple green salad would be a nice accompaniment too.

This risotto definitely lives us to its indulgent claim! It's creamy and decadent from the addition of cheese and half and half, and the sweet chunks of lobster meat are a special treat for sure. We loved the background flavor of basil here, which gave a subtle pesto flavor to the finished dish. The next time you're looking for an over-the-top dinner to impress? Definitely give this risotto a try! While you're at it, be sure to check out all of the amazing recipes that today's #SundaySupper participants are sharing. We've got everything from cocktails to dessert...and everything in between.

Nominees for Best Supporting Appetizers:

• Beef Sliders with Sautéed Mushrooms, Onions, Bleu Cheese and Bacon by Crazy Foodie Stunts
• Black and White Olive Cheese Puffs by Peaceful Cooking
• Cheddar Olives by Jane's Adventures in Dinner
• Citrus Avocado Shrimp Cocktail by Seduction in the Kitchen
• French Onion Sliders by Momma's Meals
• Herbed Butter and Cheese Popcorn by Kudos Kitchen by Renee
• Italian Guacamole with Pesto by Food Done Light
• Melon and Prosciutto Skewers by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Mushroom Pate by Lifestyle Food Artistry
• Oysters Rockfeller by Noshing With The Nolands
• Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp by Casa de Crews
• Raspberry Brie Bites by Love and Confections
• Roasted Red Pepper Pinwheels by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Smoked Trout Stuffed Baby New Potatoes by Food Lust People Love
• Spinach Bites by Shockingly Delicious
• Apple Ginger Martini by Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
• 7-Layer Bark by Take A Bite Out of Boca
• Caramel-Almond Latte Ricotta Cookies by What Smells So Good?
• Champagne Truffles by Brunch with Joy
• Sweet and Salty Popcorn Ball Bites by The Life and Loves of Grumpy's Honeybunch
• Tuxedo Cake by The Redhead Baker

Nominees for Best Dressed Table:

• DIY Glitter Vases by Sunday Supper Movement

Be sure to join the #SundaySupper conversation on Twitter all day today! We tweet throughout the day, and we share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET/6:00 pm CST. Be sure to follow the #SundaySupper hashtag -- and remember to include it in your tweets to join in on the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, be sure to visit our website or check out our Pinterest board. W0uld you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

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