Pesto-ish Risotto

Step 1

Melt 2 Tbsp. butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add rice and increase heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring, until grains are partially translucent, about 2 minutes. Add 2 cups broth and bring to a rapid simmer, stirring often. Add another 2 cups broth and bring to a simmer again, stirring often. Reduce heat to medium and add another 2 cups broth. Cook, stirring often, until broth has slowly come back to a simmer. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until broth is almost completely absorbed but rice is covered with a thick layer of milky broth, about 20 minutes. If rice is still too firm, add another ½ cup broth and continue to cook until tender, about 3 minutes more.

Step 2

Meanwhile, cook garlic, oil, and pine nuts in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until garlic starts to turn golden around edges. Reduce heat to low and continue to cook, stirring often, until pine nuts and garlic are golden, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in turmeric and season with pepper (as much as you like!).

Step 3

As soon as the rice is tender, remove pan from heat and stir in remaining 2 Tbsp. butter; season with salt. Stir basil into risotto.

Step 4

Ladle risotto into shallow bowls and top with garlic–pine nut oil and Parmesan. Squeeze juice from lemon halves over, then grind some more pepper on top.