For fast and flavourful weeknight meals, think deli meats. But don't think about sandwiches.

The beauty of deli meats -- we're talking thinly sliced ham, turkey, chicken and beef -- is that they are moist, flavourful, easy to work with and already cooked. This makes them perfect heat-and-eat ingredients for fast meals.

But we're not talking about dining on lunch-box castoffs. I make a mean spaghetti carbonara by sauteing (for about 2 minutes) some chopped deli ham and smoked turkey breast in olive oil and garlic. Add cooked pasta, plain yogurt and grated Parm and you're done.

A similar approach can be used with sliced roast beef for an easy beef Stroganoff. And don't forget, just about any chopped deli meat will work in omelettes and frittatas, as well as on pizzas.

In this easy risotto, I used diced and crisped turkey breast to up the meaty, savoury notes. Ham or prosciutto would be great, too.

Creamy Risotto with Crisp Smoked Turkey

Makes 4 servings

* 4 tbsp (60 mL) butter, divided

* 4 oz (115 g) smoked deli-sliced turkey breast, chopped

* 1 large yellow onion, diced

* 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) arborio rice

* 1 cup (250 mL) white wine

* 4 cups (1 L) chicken stock, warmed to a simmer

* 1/4 tsp (1 mL) cinnamon

* 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt

* 1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground black pepper

* 1 cup (250 mL) grated Parmesan cheese

In a medium skillet over medium-high, melt 2 tbsp (30 mL) of the butter. Add turkey and saute until browned and crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then set aside.

In a large saute pan over medium-high, melt remaining butter. Add onion and saute for 4 minutes. Add rice and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Add wine and cook, stirring constantly, until completely absorbed.

Add half of the chicken stock or broth, stir several times, then let simmer until nearly completely absorbed. Continue adding stock, 1/2 cup (125 mL) at a time, and stirring constantly until absorbed between each addition.

When all of the stock has been added and absorbed, the rice should be tender but still just barely firm at the centre. Stir in cinnamon, salt and pepper. Add cheese and mix until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Divide among plates and top with crispy smoked turkey.

Approximate nutrition per serving: 514 calories, 23 g fat, 26 g protein, 40 g carbohydrates, 1 g fibre