Bacon Risotto - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 tablespoons sunflower oil (canola is also a good substitute)
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 cup smoked bacon, chopped
1 1/2 cups risotto rice
1 garlic clove, crushed
1/4 cup sliced dried mushroom, soaked in boiling water
2 cups mixed fresh mushrooms
5 cups hot stock
1 sprig fresh oregano or 1 sprig fresh thyme
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup dry white wine
3 tablespoons tomatoes, chopped and peeled
8 pieces black olives, stoned and quartered
salt & freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

Heat teh oil in a large, heavy-based pan with a lid. Gently cook the onion and bacon until the onion and bacon is tender and the bacon fat has run out.
Stir in the rice and garlic and cook over a high heat for 2-3 minutes, until the rice is well coated.
Add the dried mushrooms and their liquid, the fresh mushrooms, half the stock, the oregano or thyme and seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover tightly and leave to cool.
Check the liquid and if dry, add more liquid as required until the rice is cooked, but not mushy. Just before serving, stir in the butter, white wine, tomatoes and olives and check the seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with thyme sprigs.