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Saffron risotto
First Course

Saffron risotto

Risotto alla Milanese

Creamy saffron risotto, tossed with butter and Parmesan cheese

The gold of Milan: a risotto with a sunny colour, scented with saffron and creamed with butter and Parmigiano Reggiano until absolutely creamy.

AverageLombardy

Legend has it that saffron risotto was born in 1574 during construction of the Milan Cathedral: a glassmaker's apprentice jokingly added the spice used to color glass to the rice at a wedding banquet. The result amazed everyone, and the recipe endured. Saffron was a prized spice in the Middle Ages, used for both its color and medicinal properties. In Milanese risotto, the stigmas are infused in hot broth to release all the color and aroma. Milanese risotto is traditionally served alongsideveal shanks, forming one of the most famous combinations in Lombard cuisine.

Instructions

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Voice reading

7 steps · natural Italian voice

1

Wilt the onion

5 min

Finely chop the onion and sauté it in half the butter, over medium heat-low, for about 5 minutes. Stir frequently: it should become soft and transparent, without browning or sticking. A uniform base ensures a delicate flavor and doesn't overpower the saffron's aroma.

2

Toast the rice

3 min

Add the Carnaroli rice and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. The grains should become glossy and warm, without turning dark. Toasting prepares the rice to gradually absorb the broth and helps maintain its texture.

3

Deglaze with wine

2 min

Raise the heat slightly, pour in the white wine, and stir. Let the alcohol evaporate until the liquid reduces and the winey aroma becomes more delicate. Continue stirring when the base is almost dry, making sure the rice doesn't stick or burn.

4

Add the broth

12 min

Pour in a ladle of hot broth and stir. Maintain a light, constant boil, adding more broth only when the previous one is almost absorbed. Continue cooking until the rice is moist and moves slowly in the pan. saucepan.

5

Incorporate the saffron

2 min

Halfway through cooking, dissolve the saffron in a ladle of hot broth. Pour it into the risotto and stir until the color turns evenly golden and the aroma is evident. Immediately continue adding the broth gradually, keeping the rice at a gentle simmer.

6

Cook and vigorously stir

3 min

Cook for about 16-18 minutes in total and taste the rice: it should be soft on the outside and slightly firm in the center. Turn off the heat, add the remaining cold butter and the Parmigiano Reggiano, Therefore vigorously stir until you obtain a shiny and smooth cream.

7

Serve immediately

1 min

Divide the risotto immediately between plates, without letting it rest. The correct consistency is soft and fluid: the risotto should distribute with a slight movement of the plate, without becoming runny. Serve hot to preserve the creaminess, temperature, and aroma of the saffron.

Chef's Tips

Cold butter creates a perfect emulsion when stirring; never use melted butter. Carnaroli rice is ideal: it releases starch gradually without overcooking. The broth must always be boiling when you add it: cold broth makes the risotto sticky.

Ingredients

4
  • (11.29 oz) 320 g Carnaroli rice
  • (2.11 pt) 1 l of hot broth
  • 1 packet of saffron
  • (1.41 oz) 40 g butter
  • (2.12 oz) 60 g of Parmigiano Reggiano grated
  • 1 onion
  • ½ glass of white wine

Can't find it in the US?

  • risotto riceMost US supermarkets

    Arborio rice

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vegetarianlunchdinnerrisottofirst coursesLombardysaffroncreamingregional cuisinelunchdinner

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