Saffron Risotto with Speck: Italian Recipe
This golden risotto is an age old classic in Italy, specifically in the northern regions where it originated. The rich creaminess of the Parmesan and smokiness of the speck really shine through and pair perfectly with the unique and light flavor of the saffron. Not only is it a simple and relatively quick meal to make, it also results in a beautiful golden dish that can be the perfect highlight in any dinner!
Saffron Risotto with Speck
Servings: servings
Ingredients
- 7 oz Arborio rice
- 1/2 of a small onion
- 3-4 oz speck (can be substituted with prosciutto if needed)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup white wine
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 traditional sized bag of saffron powder (.1 gram or 1 big pinch )
- 1-2 tbsp grated Parmesan (depending on how cheesy you like it)
Instructions
- Heat up a large pan with olive oil on medium heat. While that is warming up, mince the onion and cut the speck into small squares.
- Add the onions to the pan and saute them for a few minutes or until they are golden brown. Then add the speck and let it fry for 1-2 minutes.
- Next, add the rice and let it brown. Slowly pour in the wine and let it evaporate, then start adding in the broth little by little, making sure to not add more until the previous batch has been absorbed into the rice. About halfway through, add the saffron, mix well, and continue cooking in the broth until the rice becomes tender (you might have broth left over, or you may need a little more – it tends to vary slightly).
- Once the rice is completely cooked, add in the remaining butter and the Parmesan and mix until completely melted and the rice is coated.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, serve in dishes and top with a little more Parmesan if desired!
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Amazing dish!!
Wow, this risotto… Delish! The saffron and speck combo was top-notch.
Saffron Risotto with Speck, where have you been all my life? A symphony of flavors in every bite. It’s like Italy on a plate.
I thought making risotto was hard, but this recipe was a breeze. I’m familiar with the constant stir method for risotto but this was a lot less labour intensive. The saffron and speck? Perfect balance of aromatic and savory. Bravo!
Tried this out on a whim. Didn’t expect the risotto to come out so well. That saffron-speck combo? Absolutely nailed it. Definitely bookmarking this recipe.
This isn’t just risotto, it’s a culinary experience. The saffron gives it that luxurious taste and the speck brings just enough savory and texture to balance it out. It’s like dining in an nice Italian restaurant right at home.