Description
Creamy Saffron Risotto, known as Risotto alla Milanese, is a classic Italian dish featuring arborio rice cooked slowly with fragrant saffron, white wine, and broth to create a creamy, comforting meal. This recipe emphasizes the rich golden hue and delicate flavor provided by saffron, finished with parmesan cheese for an authentic Milanese experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- Good pinch of saffron threads or ¼ tsp saffron powder
- 1 ½ cups arborio rice
- ½ white onion, finely diced
- ½ cup white wine
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 oz (50 g) finely grated parmesan cheese
- 2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Infuse Saffron: Grind saffron threads with a mortar and pestle or small blender to a rough powder. Add ¼ teaspoon of this powder to 3 tablespoons boiling water, then set aside to infuse and develop flavor.
- Sauté Onion: Dice the white onion finely, then sauté in a large saucepan with olive oil over low heat until translucent. Meanwhile, warm the broth in a separate pot on the stovetop.
- Toast Rice: Add arborio rice to the sautéed onions and toast for a few minutes, stirring to coat the grains well and slightly warm them.
- Deglaze with Wine: Increase heat to medium, pour in the white wine, and stir through the rice. Allow the wine to mostly evaporate before proceeding.
- Add Broth and Salt: Add 2 ladles of hot broth and a pinch of salt to the rice mixture, stir continuously, and wait for most liquid to be absorbed.
- Add Saffron Infused Water: Continue adding broth ladle by ladle, stirring constantly. When half the broth has been used, add the saffron-infused water to impart color and flavor.
- Cook Rice Fully: Keep adding broth one ladle at a time, stirring and tasting frequently to ensure the rice is creamy and cooked through but still slightly firm in the center.
- Finish with Parmesan: When rice reaches desired consistency, stir in finely grated parmesan cheese while continuously stirring to create a luscious creamy texture. Add broth as needed to keep the risotto silky and moist.
- Final Touch: Drizzle with a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil before serving to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use good quality saffron for authentic color and flavor; if using powder saffron, be cautious as it is more concentrated.
- Constant stirring helps release the rice’s starch, creating the classic creamy texture of risotto.
- Keep broth warm to maintain cooking temperature and ensure even rice cooking.
- Adjust salt carefully, especially if using chicken broth which can be saltier than vegetable broth.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture, as risotto tends to thicken upon standing.
- Vegetarian option: use vegetable broth and omit parmesan or use a vegetarian hard cheese alternative if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: saffron risotto, risotto alla milanese, italian risotto, creamy risotto, saffron recipe, arborio rice, vegetarian italian dish
