The Secret of a good risotto!

As for the secret behind a perfect risotto, it’s a blend of patience and technique. Slowly adding warm broth to the rice, allowing it to absorb the liquid gradually while stirring carefully, is key. This process unlocks the rice’s starches, resulting in that luxurious, creamy consistency we all crave. And let’s not forget the importance of quality ingredients – from Arborio rice to flavorful broth and fragrant herbs – each element plays a crucial role in elevating the dish. Finally, the finishing touch of grated Parmesan cheese adds a decadent richness that ties everything together beautifully. Trust me, with a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll unlock the secret to crafting a truly exceptional risotto every time.

Ingredients Spotlight:

1. Italian Pancetta: The use of Italian pancetta adds flavor and richness to the risotto. Diced and sautéed until crispy, it infuses the dish with a savory, umami taste that complements the creamy texture of the rice.
2. Fresh Spinach Leaves: Spinach not only adds vibrant color to the risotto but also provides essential nutrients such as iron, vitamins, and antioxidants. As the spinach wilts into the risotto, it imparts a subtle earthiness and freshness that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
3. Arborio Rice: Arborio rice, with its high starch content, is the perfect choice for risotto as it releases its starch slowly, creating the desired creamy texture. Its ability to absorb flavors makes it an ideal canvas for the other ingredients in this dish.
4. Dry White Wine: The addition of dry white wine not only deglazes the pan, releasing flavorful browned bits, but also adds acidity and complexity to the risotto. The wine enhances the flavor profile, highlighting the dish’s subtle brightness.
5. Grated Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese is the quintessential finishing touch to risotto, providing a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the dish’s richness. As it melts into the risotto, it contributes to the creamy texture while imparting its signature savory taste.

Creamy Spinach Risotto is a testament to the beauty of Italian cuisine, combining simple yet flavorful ingredients to create a comforting and sophisticated dish.

s someone who cherishes the art of cooking, I find immense joy in highlighting the natural sweetness of spinach, the richness of pancetta, and the creaminess of Parmesan cheese in this recipe.

Whether preparing it for a cozy dinner for two or serving it as an impressive side dish at a dinner party, I know that this Creamy Spinach Risotto will always leave a lasting impression. It’s a dish that speaks to the soul, evoking memories of shared meals and cherished moments. So, I invite you to treat yourself to a taste of Italy’s finest and savor the indulgent comfort of this classic dish. Buon appetite!

Spinach and Pancetta Risotto

Recipe by Rossella Ferranti

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: MainCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Homemade Broth (Optional)

60

minutes

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

• 1 Slice of Italian pancetta (1-inch thick), diced

• 1 Shallot, finely chopped

• 4 Tbsp of Butter

• 4 cups vegetable broth, kept warm

• 1 bag of spinach leaves

• 1 Cup Arborio rice

• 1/2 Cup dry white wine

• 1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Homemade vegetable Broth (optional)

• 2 carrots, peeled

• 1 Large Onion cut in half

• 10 Cherry tomatoes cut in half

• 2 celery stalks cut in half

• 4 Cups of water

• Salt to taste

Directions

• Heat the vegetable broth over low heat in a separate pan to keep it warm throughout the cooking process.
• In a large pan, sauté diced pancetta over medium heat until golden brown.
• Melt 1 tbsp of butter, add finely chopped shallot to the pan, and sauté until translucent.
  
  
• Stir in Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes until the rice is well-coated and slightly toasted.
• Turn up the heat and pour in the white wine, stirring continuously until it’s mostly absorbed by the rice.
• Add warm vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Allow the liquid to be absorbed before adding the next ladle.
• As the rice nears completion, add the spinach directly into the pan. Stir gently to incorporate the spinach into the risotto.
• Remove from the heat and finish the risotto by stirring in the remaining 2 tbsp of butter and the parmesan cheese.
• Serve the Spinach and Pancetta Risotto hot!
• Vegetable broth Direction (Optional)
• In a large pot, combine all the vegetables.
• Add 4 cups of water to the pot, covering the vegetables.
• Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1 hour.
• Add salt to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• After simmering, strain the broth using a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl or another pot.

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