Risotto with Sage, Onion, and Crisp Prosciutto

Fresh sage, onion, and prosciutto are an outstanding combination of flavors, perfect for risotto. With arborio rice, canned broth, and an onion from your pantry you can put together an easy and elegant meal.

1. 1. In a small saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil, then reduce heat and keep at a low simmer. Place a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, and add the olive oil. Make certain that the sage leaves are dry with no clinging drops of water, and set aside a pair of tongs or heatproof slotted spoon. Fry the sage leaves in the oil a few at a time, transferring them to a plate as soon as they change color and begin to crisp.
   2. Cut the prosciutto slices crosswise into 1 inch strips. Add to the oil and sauté until nicely browned and crisp. Transfer to a plate and set aside to cool.
   3. Add the butter to the oil and allow to melt. Add the onion and stir until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the rice and stir to coat all the grains with oil. Reduce heat to low and add the wine, if using, stirring until the wine is completely absorbed into the rice.
   4. Now begin adding the hot broth a ladleful (about 118 ml/½ cup) at a time. After each addition of broth, stir continuously until the rice has absorbed the liquid, 3-4 minutes between each addition. When the broth is all used* the rice should be tender and creamy but still have a slight “bite” (firmness) to it.
   5. Crumble the reserved crisp prosciutto and stir it into the risotto. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, garnishing each serving with fried sage leaves and, if desired,  Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.