Source: diabete.net, Photo theitaliantaste.com

Presentation

First course consisting of a risotto prepared with rice, extra virgin olive oil, tomato pulp, zucchini, carrots, spinach, green beans, Parmigiano Reggiano PDO, broth, onion, salt and pepper

Ingredients
Serves 2

• 80 g (about2.8 oz / ⅓ cup) rice
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 340 g (about 12 oz / 1½ cups) tomato pulp
• 150 g (about 5.3 oz / 1 cup) zucchini, diced
• 100 g (about 3.5 oz / ¾ cup) carrots, diced
• 300 g (about 10.5 oz / 4 cups) spinach
• 40 g (about 1.4 oz / ⅓ cup) boiled green beans
• 2 teaspoons Parmigiano Reggiano PDO, grated
• Vegetable broth, as needed
• 1 teaspoon onion, finely chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Method

Brown the onion in a saucepan with oil,

Add all the shredded vegetables

Flavor

Pour in a few tablespoons of broth

Cook moderately for about ten minutes

Add chopped tomato and beans

Season with salt and pepper.

After a quarter of an hour of moderate cooking, throw in the rice, stir and add a little broth as the rice dries.

Cooked al dente, season with grated Parmigiano Reggiano PDO and serve.

Allergens

Vegetable broth: check the composition for celery or other allergenic ingredients

Carrot: possible individual intolerance and cross-reactivity in case of allergy to pollen of Artemisia, Graminaceae, Composite, Birch

Onion: possible reactivity in case of nickel allergy due to the vegetable’s ability to concentrate it

Green beans: possible cross-reaction in case of allergy to parietaria

Extra virgin olive oil: unusual allergy; intolerance not described

Parmigiano Reggiano PDO: contains milk allergens

Pepper: possible cross-reactivity in case of intolerance to spices

Tomatoes: possible cross-reaction in case of sensitivity to grasses

Rice: (allergy very common in the Far East, almost unknown in Italy and Europe). Possible cross-reaction in case of grass sensitivity

Spinach: possible cases of individual intolerance or cross-reactivity in case of birch allergy

Zucchini: possible individual intolerance or cross-reaction in case of allergy to Ambrosia

Notes

To be prepared and handled under strict hygienic conditions.

The ingredients of the dish bring the following benefits:

Vegetable broth: provides minerals, especially sodium and potassium, useful for regulating heart function and water retention.

Carrots: rich in vitamins (B1, B2, C, PP, E, D), carotenoids, minerals and active ingredients that support the functionality of the immune system and ophthalmic, diuretic and healing functions and act to protect the cardiovascular system. Also suitable for nephropathic patients and useful for the functioning of the liver for the contribution of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants. They provide folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Onion: it is rich in selenium which supports the immune system and with the ability to stabilize blood glucose at normal values; it provides quercetin, a flavonoid that helps contain cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, parameters related to cardiovascular risk, which also supports liver function by promoting the purification of the body. Also indicated for nephropathic patients, it is a good diuretic that prevents kidney stones. Especially if consumed with the peel, it provides folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Green beans: provide flavonoids (Vit. P), antioxidants that enhance the action of Vit. C in favor of the immune system and mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants that act to protect the cardiovascular system; also suitable for nephropathic patients. Useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants. Especially if consumed with the peel, they provide folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Extra virgin olive oil: source of Vitamin E that protects the immune system from harmful fatty acids

Parmigiano Reggiano PDO: useful for the proper functioning of the liver

Pepper: contains piperine, a powerful antioxidant; improves insulin sensitivity by reducing cholesterol levels and activating metabolism. Recommended for people with cardiovascular problems.

Tomato: rich in vitamin C, the antioxidant par excellence that fights free radicals and supports the immune system, and provides mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants that act to protect the cardiovascular system; also suitable for nephropathic patients. Useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants. Especially if consumed with the peel, it provides folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Rice: due to its modest protein content, it is suitable for nephropathic and phenylketonuric patients; since it is an antiuric food, it is recommended in case of gout and hyperuricemia. It stimulates the synthesis of serotonin which counteracts depression and promotes good mood

Salt: essential for the balance of body fluids and for the transmission of nerve impulses, it is however to be consumed respecting the limit of 5 g per day according to the indications of the WHO so as not to promote arterial hypertension and consequent increase in the risk of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases starting from myocardial infarction and cerebral stroke; to be limited as much as possible in the case of nephropathy.

Spinach: rich in carotenoids that support the immune system and mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants that act to protect the cardiovascular system; also suitable for nephropathic patients; useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants. They provide folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Zucchini: provides flavonoids (Vit. P), antioxidants that enhance the action of Vit. C in favor of the immune system and mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants that act to protect the cardiovascular system; also suitable for nephropathics; useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants. They provide folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Safety / Intended use

Product also intended for subjects with:

• Mucositis (inflammation and injury of the oral cavity) only well cooked
• Xerostomia (dry mouth) if well cooked
• Dysphagia (only if in pieces of uniform size and consistency)

Not recommended in case of:

• Diarrhea