Savory Sausage Risotto: A Comforting Italian Classic
Risotto alla Salsiccia, or sausage risotto, is an irresistible Italian dish that combines the creamy texture of Carnaroli rice with the rich, savory flavor of sausage. Ideal for a cozy family dinner or a sophisticated gathering, this dish is perfect for any occasion. The combination of hearty sausage, aromatic saffron, and a dash of Parmesan creates an unforgettable meal that will surely impress. With easy-to-follow instructions, you can create this delicious risotto in no time.
Ingredients for Savory Sausage Risotto
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Carnaroli rice | 320g |
| Sausage (preferably mild) | 300g |
| Beef or vegetable broth | As needed (q.b.) |
| Saffron | 1 pinch |
| White wine | ½ cup |
| Shallot | 1, finely chopped |
| Black pepper | To taste (q.b.) |
| Extra virgin olive oil | As needed (q.b.) |
| Butter | 40g |
| Parmigiano Reggiano DOP | 50g, grated |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 510 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Sodium | 720mg |
Instructions for Preparing Savory Sausage Risotto
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Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preparing all your ingredients. First, chop the shallot finely. Then, remove the casing from the sausage links, and using the back of a knife, break the sausage meat into small chunks. This will help the sausage render evenly during cooking. Set everything aside for easy access when you begin cooking. -
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Sauté Shallots and Sausage
Place a large, deep skillet or saucepan on the stove and heat a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped shallot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent, ensuring not to let it brown. Add the sausage chunks to the pan, stirring occasionally to break them up as they cook. Continue cooking for 6-8 minutes, allowing the sausage to release its fat and crisp up slightly. -
Deglaze with White Wine
When the sausage is nicely browned, pour in the white wine. Stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any delicious brown bits stuck to the bottom. Let the wine cook off for about 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate while leaving behind the rich flavor. -
Add the Rice
Once the wine has evaporated, add the Carnaroli rice to the pan. Stir the rice into the sausage and shallots, toasting it for 2-3 minutes. This step helps to enhance the flavor of the rice and makes it more absorbent when cooking the broth. -
Cook the Risotto
Begin adding the warm broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring the rice regularly. Allow each addition of broth to be absorbed before adding more. Keep the heat at a steady medium level, ensuring that the rice cooks evenly without drying out. After about 12-15 minutes of cooking, stir in the saffron along with another splash of broth to help dissolve the precious spice into the rice. Continue adding broth as necessary, until the rice is tender but still slightly firm to the bite. -
Finish with Butter and Parmesan
When the rice has cooked to al dente perfection, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the butter and grated Parmigiano Reggiano until fully melted, creating a creamy and luxurious texture. Season with freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Adjust salt if needed, but keep in mind that the sausage and Parmesan already contribute saltiness to the dish. -
Serve and Enjoy
Your risotto alla salsiccia is now ready to serve! Spoon the creamy, flavorful risotto into bowls, garnishing with a little more grated Parmesan if desired. The dish is best served immediately, as risotto is most delicious when freshly made.
Tips for Perfect Risotto
- Broth Temperature: Always use warm broth while making risotto. Cold broth will lower the cooking temperature and can result in uneven cooking of the rice.
- Rice Variety: Carnaroli rice is ideal for risotto due to its high starch content, which creates the characteristic creamy texture. Arborio rice can also be used if Carnaroli is unavailable.
- Broth Choice: For a more robust flavor, opt for homemade beef or chicken broth. However, store-bought broth is a convenient alternative and will work well for this dish.
- Saffron: Saffron adds a subtle depth of flavor and a beautiful golden hue to the risotto. If you don’t have saffron, you can substitute it with a small pinch of turmeric, though the flavor will differ.
Why You’ll Love This Risotto alla Salsiccia
Risotto alla Salsiccia is a dish that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication. The rich, savory sausage infuses the creamy rice with its robust flavor, while the saffron adds a delicate and aromatic touch. The result is a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable, perfect for weeknight dinners or a more refined weekend gathering. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to pair it with a variety of side dishes, from a light salad to roasted vegetables or even a glass of crisp white wine.
This recipe serves four people, making it ideal for a family meal or a cozy dinner with friends. The rich, hearty nature of the dish will leave everyone satisfied, and its impressive flavor profile will have your guests asking for the recipe.
Conclusion
Risotto alla Salsiccia is a comforting yet elegant dish that brings a touch of Italian warmth and flavor to your table. With its creamy texture, savory sausage, and hint of saffron, it’s an irresistible meal that is easy to prepare and sure to please. Follow these steps for a foolproof risotto that’s perfect for any occasion.
