Basil Pesto & Marinated Goat Cheese Risotto

In a medium frying pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over a medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until tender, 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Add the arborio rice and cook, stirring, until coated, 1 minute.

Crumble in the vegetable stock cubes. Slowly add the water and stir to dissolve the stock. Bring to the boil, then remove from the heat. Transfer the risotto to a baking dish and cover tightly with foil. Bake the risotto until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is 'al dente', 24-28 minutes. TIP: 'Al dente' means the rice is cooked through but still has a tiny bit of firmness in the middle.

While the risotto is baking, roughly chop the walnuts. Trim the green beans, then slice into thirds. Wipe out the frying pan and return to a medium-high heat. Add the walnuts and toast, tossing, until lightly browned and fragrant, 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Return the frying pan to a medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the green beans and cook until tender, 4-5 minutes.

When the risotto is done, stir through a splash of water if it looks dry. Add the baby spinach leaves, basil pesto, cooked green beans and 1/2 the marinated goat cheese and stir to combine. Add a drizzle of the oil from the marinated goat cheese tub. Season with pepper.