Vegan Chicken, Bacon and Mushroom Risotto
I had been wanting to make something like this for a long time. I’d had a few goes with paprika and other spices but nothing ever really got the right flavour for me, then Summer bought around the meatless factory bacon and made us pasta with it…. what a game changer!
I do try not to use processed “meats” too much as they are obviously not the healthiest option but when you fancy something comforting after the end of a long hot summer’s day this dish, with a fresh salad, really hits the spot.
Serves 4.
Ingredients
- 1 onion
- 250g chestnut mushrooms
- 280g bag of Quorn pieces
- 100g vegan bacon pieces
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 230g risotto rice
- 1.5-2 litres vegetable stock – hot
- Knob of vegan butter
- Vegan parmesan
Method
- Chop the onion and fry off in a bit of oil (I used cold-pressed rapeseed) until it begins to soften.
- Add your chopped mushrooms and cook until starting to soften, then add your garlic and bacon pieces and cook for another minute.
- Add in the rice and give it a good stir, making sure it doesn’t stick. Do this for about a minute until it starts to go translucent at the edges.
- Start adding your stock a ladle full at a time, stirring until it is absorbed by the rice. Repeat this stage until your rice is almost cooked.
- Add the frozen Quorn pieces, giving everything a good mix so that they are well incorporated.
- Continue adding the stock, one ladle at a time, until the rice is cooked. You want a nice liquidy consistency; the rice should be able to thickly flow.
- Season your risotto with salt and pepper, stir in the knob of butter and your desired amount of parmesan and pop the lid back on your pan.
- Leave it to sit for a minute or two – this really helps to develop the flavour.
- Serve with a fresh salad and more parmesan if desired.
This has become a favourite at the end of a long hot Saturday. Once the paddling pool is packed up and tired toddlers are redressed we love having this for tea out in the garden.
I hope you’ll give it ago and enjoy it as much as we do. When you try it make sure to tag us on Instagram at @foxandlockes or leave us a comment below so we know what you think of it!
Livvy and Summer
