Butter Bean Risotto with Chard and Fried Okra Recipe

Butter Bean Risotto with Chard and Fried Okra Recipe

  • 1/2 cup 1/2-inch pieces trimmed fresh okra
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 3/4 cup (packed) 1/2-inch squares Swiss chard (from about 3 large leaves)
  • 4 cups low-salt chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 3/4 cup arborio rice or medium-grain white rice
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • 1 15- to 16-ounce can butter beans, rinsed, drained
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus additional for serving
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Place okra in small bowl; pour buttermilk over. Let stand 15 minutes. Drain off buttermilk.
  2. Place cornmeal in medium bowl. Mix in salt and pepper. Add okra; toss to coat.
  3. Heat oil in small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add okra; sauté until brown on all sides, about 4 minutes. Transfer to baking sheet. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature. Rewarm in 375°F oven 5 minutes before using.
  4. Heat oil in heavy medium skillet over medium heat. Add chard and toss until wilted and tender, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  5. Bring broth to simmer in large saucepan over medium heat. Reduce heat to very low and keep broth warm.
  6. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; sauté until soft but not brown, about 2 minutes. Add rice; stir to coat well, about 3 minutes. Add wine; simmer until wine evaporates, stirring constantly, about 1 minute. Add 1 cup broth. Simmer until absorbed, stirring almost constantly, about 2 minutes. Continue to add broth, 1/2 cup at a time, simmering until broth is absorbed each time and rice is creamy and just tender, stirring almost constantly, about 18 minutes longer. Mix in chard, then beans, 1 tablespoon Parmesan, and 1 tablespoon butter. Season risotto with salt and pepper.
  7. Divide risotto among bowls; sprinkle with okra. Pass more Parmesan alongside.