Smoked Arborio Rice:

4 cups Arborio rice, 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, torn.

Take a rack and wrap it tightly with aluminum foil. Using the needle from an injection syringe or something fine, poke lots of little holes through the foil to allow for smoke penetration. But not too big because the rice will fall through the holes.

Note: You can use a foil pan if you wish, but I have found that the more spread out you can have the rice on the rack, the better smoke penetration you will get.

In a large bowl, combine the rice and torn rosemary leaves. Pour the mixture onto the foil pan and spread evenly across the foil. Place into smoker and smoke for approximately 6 hours, or until the rice starts to turn bronze in colour (the only real noticeable change to the rice). Be sure to stir the rice gently every hour, as this will allow for a more even smoke on the rice.

Note: I use my hands to move the rice about. Tip: It’s important to keep your humidity level at a minimum, as you want a dry smoke so that the rice does not absorb moisture.

Remove rice from the smoker and allow it to fully cool. Once cooled, vacuum pack the rice or store it in a mason jar for at least 24 hours before use. Note: An unopened jar of smoked rice will keep for up to 6 months, so feel free to make the rice ahead of time. Makes 4 cups.

Smoking Onions, Garlic, Peppers & Tomatoes:

Place the onion wedges, garlic, red peppers, hot chilli peppers and plum tomatoes onto Racks, evenly spaced. Season to taste with kosher salt. Place into smoker and smoke on medium-high, about 180-200ºF, for approximately 3-4 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and golden brown. Remove from smoker and set aside to cool. Makes a variety of smoked vegetables.

Risotto:

In a heavy-bottomed pan, warm the olive oil over medium to medium-high heat. Add the Smoked Arborio Rice and allow the rice to lightly toast in the oil for approximately one minute, stirring continuously. Add garlic and then add in white wine, stirring constantly. Slowly add chicken stock, ½ cup at a time, as the rice cooks and absorb the liquid. When it gets thick add more liquid. This will take approximately 20 minutes.

When the rice is just about done, add in the smoked onion, tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers. Stir well. Add the remaining ¼ cup of wine and a pinch of salt & pepper. Add mascarpone cheese and stir it in until it is incorporated. Add torn rosemary leaves and Parmesan cheese. Stir well. Continue to cook.

While the risotto is cooking, place lemon half on the grill, skin side down, to grill slightly.

To serve, place risotto in bowls and top with a squeeze of grilled lemon and a few rosemary leaves. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.