Saffron Risotto

Submitted by Mel T

"My mom made this risotto for us fairly frequently as we loved it so much. I got this recipe from "Italian Cooking" by Capalbo et al. I was forced to find an actual recipe since my mom doesn't have her recipes on paper (you know how it is :)) and this one comes very close. Yes, it's a bit time consuming and requires a lot of stirring, but you will be well-rewarded in the end for your effort! :D In Italy, this risotto is classically served with osso bucco, but it's wonderful even on its own!"

 

• Ready In: 50mins
• Ingredients: 7
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 5 cups beef stock or 5 cups chicken stock
• 1 pinch saffron (1 sachet)
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 1⁄2 cups arborio rice (if you can find it, carnaroli makes the *best* risotto)
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (not the stuff from the can!)
• salt and pepper, to taste

directions

1. Bring the stock to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer.
2. Ladle a little stock into a small bowl.
3. Add the saffron threads or powder and leave to infuse.
4. Melt 4 tbsp of the butter in a large saucepan until foaming.
5. Add the onion and cook gently for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened.
6. Add the rice.
7. Stir until grains start to swell and burst, then add a few ladlefuls of the stock, with the saffron liquid, and salt and pepper to taste.
8. Stir over low heat until the stock is absorbed.
9. Add the remaining stock, a few ladlefuls at a time, allowing the rice to absorb all of the liquid before adding more, and stirring constantly.
10. After 20-25 minutes, the rice should be al dente and the risotto golden yellow, moist and creamy.
11. Gently stir in about two-thirds of the parmesan and the rest of the butter.
12. Heat through until the butter has melted, then taste for seasoning.
13. Transfer the risotto to a warmed serving bowl or platter and serve immediately, with the remaining parmesan sprinkled on top.
14. Enjoy!

Reviews

[Top Gunn]

Have now twice made this a meal by first frying some mushrooms and 2 x chorizo sausage (both ingredients diced rather small). Made the risotto as per instructions, apart from adding about a half a cup of white wine to start and let it boil down before startng to add the stock. Once it was ready, I stirred through the butter, mushrooms, chorizo and parmesan. Very moorish. Great recipe Mel

 

[MummaKat]

This was sooo good, hubby said I could make it again and soon please, lol! I added grated carrots with the finely chopped onion, then some blanched spinach at the end. I was cooking steaks, so made it with beef broth. I never add salt to my risotto, the broth always provides plenty saltiness.

 

[ladybug13x]

This recipe is Fabulous! Simple to make. Yes, a tad time consuming (30 min), But worth it. I made this for a dinner party and they All not only wanted the recipe, but wanted more! (Glad I had made a bunch of it) I made it with arborio rice, saffron, and used the chicken stock. Did not add any salt, but a little pepper. Be sure to Finely chop the onions and cook them properly. You can buy fresh Parmesan cheese in a bag. I found the saffron at a fairly close Indian grocery (much less expensive and More than my local grocery stores). Placer County, CA

 

[KateL]

Perfect risotto, my step-daughter stole the recipe from me. Used Parmigiano Reggiano and a small grate size. With all prep work done ahead, this took a full hour of attention while our chicken cooked (Recipe #484012).

 

[NewEnglandCook]

It came out perfectly! My dinner guests loved it! <br/>Thanks for sharing on Food.com