Elegance is not just about aesthetics; it's also reflected in the simplicity of ingredients and techniques that create a dish like risotto alla milanese. This classic Italian recipe relies on a few key components to elevate it to its full potential: saffron, butter, parmesan cheese, beef stock, and Arborio rice.
Start by finely chopping an onion until almost invisible, then soften it in melted butter over low heat until golden and limp but not colored. Next, add the chopped Arborio rice and cook until hot and starting to turn translucent around its edges, stirring constantly.
While the onion and rice are cooking, bring beef stock to a gentle simmer on the hob and prepare saffron by crushing most of the threads in a mortar. As you stir the onion and rice mixture, you'll want to add ladlefuls of hot stock one at a time, allowing each to be absorbed before adding more. This process should take about eight minutes, after which point you may start to feel that the risotto is getting too stodgy.
At this stage, it's essential to stir in saffron-infused stock and let its flavors meld with the risotto, adjusting seasoning as needed. Then comes the addition of butter and grated cheese – grana padano is a good choice here – which should be stirred vigorously until creamy. Finally, garnish with reserved saffron threads and serve immediately.
If you're short on time, consider cooking the rice ahead, spreading it out to cool, then refrigerating or freezing it for later use. Simply reheat both the rice and stock, then follow the recipe as instructed.
With these simple yet elegant instructions, anyone can create a satisfying risotto alla milanese at home – one that's sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Start by finely chopping an onion until almost invisible, then soften it in melted butter over low heat until golden and limp but not colored. Next, add the chopped Arborio rice and cook until hot and starting to turn translucent around its edges, stirring constantly.
While the onion and rice are cooking, bring beef stock to a gentle simmer on the hob and prepare saffron by crushing most of the threads in a mortar. As you stir the onion and rice mixture, you'll want to add ladlefuls of hot stock one at a time, allowing each to be absorbed before adding more. This process should take about eight minutes, after which point you may start to feel that the risotto is getting too stodgy.
At this stage, it's essential to stir in saffron-infused stock and let its flavors meld with the risotto, adjusting seasoning as needed. Then comes the addition of butter and grated cheese – grana padano is a good choice here – which should be stirred vigorously until creamy. Finally, garnish with reserved saffron threads and serve immediately.
If you're short on time, consider cooking the rice ahead, spreading it out to cool, then refrigerating or freezing it for later use. Simply reheat both the rice and stock, then follow the recipe as instructed.
With these simple yet elegant instructions, anyone can create a satisfying risotto alla milanese at home – one that's sure to impress even the most discerning palates.