Broccoli aranicini with rocket & almond pesto

Bluntness-free Breadcrumbs are available

from some supermarkets and health food stores.

Check the label for any dairy products.

Ingredients:

3 cups (750ml) vegetables stock

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium leek (359g),

Chopped finely

1 clove garlic, crushed

1 cup (209g) arborio rice

1 cup (250ml) dry white wine

150g (4 ½ ounces) broccoli

Cut in small florets

2 teaspoons finely grated

Lemon rind

1 ½ cups (110g) packaged

Gluten free breadcrumbs

Grapeseed oil, for deep frying

Rocket & Almonds Pesto

100g (3 ounces) rocket (arugula),

Chopped coarsely

½ cup (80g) roasted almond

Kernels, chopped coarsely

2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

Flakes, chopped coarsely

½ cup (125ml) olive oil

Method:

1.Bring stock to the boil in a large saucepan. Reduce heat; simmer, covered.

2.Meanwhile, Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan heat; cook leek and garlic, stirring, for 2 minutes or until leek is soft. Reduce heat to low. Add rice; stir to coat in oil mixture. Add wine; cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until wine is evaporated.

3.Stir in ½. Cup of the hot stock; cook, stirring, over low heat until liquid is absorbed. Continue adding stock, in ½ -cup batches, stirring until liquid is absorbed after each addition. Total cooking time should be about 20 minutes or until rice is just tender, adding broccoli during last 10 minutes of cooking. Stir in rind; season to taste. Spread rice mixture over a large oven tray; cool for 15 minutes.

4.With wet hands, roll ¼ cups of rice mixture into balls. Toss balls in breadcrumbs to coat; place on a tray. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

5.Meanwhlie, make rocket and almond pesto.

6.Fill a large saucepan one third full with grapeseed oil; heat to 180°C/350°F (or until a cube of bread turns golden in 15 seconds). Deep-fry balls, in batches, for 2 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned lightly and cooked through. Drain on paper towel.

7.Serve aranicini with pesto.

Rocket & almond pesto process ingredients

Ingredients in small food processor until almost smooth. Transfer to a small food processor until almost smooth. Transfer to a small bowl; season to taste.