Bacon Risotto With Zesty Tenderstem Broccoli

Boil a full kettle

Peel and finely dice your shallot[s]

Peel and finely chop (or grate) your garlic

Heat a large, wide-based pan (preferably non-stick) with a drizzle of olive oil over a medium heat

Once hot, add the diced shallot and chopped garlic with a pinch of salt and cook for 2-3 min or until softened

While the shallot is softening, chop your cherry tomatoes in half

Once softened, add the halved tomatoes to the pan and cook for 3-4 min or until the tomatoes are beginning to soften

Meanwhile, dissolve your chicken stock mix in 750ml [975ml] [1.4L] boiled water – this is your chicken stock

Once the tomatoes are beginning to soften, increase the heat to high and add your bacon lardons to the pan and cook an initial 4-5 min, then add your tomato paste and cook for another 1-2 min

Add your arborio rice and cook for 1 min, stirring to coat the grains in the sauce

Add the chicken stock a ladle at a time, stirring continuously for 25-30 min or until all of the stock is absorbed and the rice is cooked

While the risotto is cooking, zest of half your lime[s] (try to grate lightly with a micro-plane or sharp box grater and avoid grating the white pith, as this is very bitter)

Chop your Tenderstem broccoli in half lengthways

When the risotto is almost ready, heat a separate large, wide-based pan (preferably non-stick) with a drizzle of olive oil over a medium-high heat

Once hot, add the chopped Tenderstem broccoli and cook for 10-12 min or until slightly charred and tender with a slight bite

Once the risotto is ready, stir through your soft cheese, half your grated Italian hard cheese (you'll use the rest later!) and a squeeze of lime juice (not sure about citrus? Try using less!)

Give everything a good mix up and cook for a further 1-2 min – this is your bacon risotto

Cut the remaining lime into 1 wedge per person