Paniscia alla Novarese – Traditional Risotto from Novara
Paniscia alla Novarese is a rich, hearty Italian risotto that hails from the Novara region in northern Italy. Known for its deliciously comforting flavor, this dish blends the hearty textures of beans, cabbage, and cured meats with the richness of risotto rice, creating a perfect balance of savory and satisfying notes. With its roots deeply planted in the heart of Italian culinary tradition, Paniscia is a dish that reflects both the humble origins and complex flavors of Northern Italy.
Category: Primi Piatti (First Course)
Serves: 4
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Carnaroli Rice | 320g |
| Savoy Cabbage (Verza) | 300g |
| Dried Borlotti Beans | 250g |
| Salami (Italian) | 190g |
| Shallots (Scalogno) | 120g |
| Pork Skin (Cotenna di suino) | 75g |
| Lard (Lardo) | 75g |
| Red Wine | 100g |
| Grana Padano Cheese (DOP) | 70g |
| Butter | 50g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | q.b. (to taste) |
| Fine Salt | q.b. (to taste) |
| Freshly Ground Black Pepper | q.b. (to taste) |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Broth:
- Begin by cutting the pork skin into thin strips.
- Remove the tough stem from the cabbage (verza), and roughly chop the leaves.
- In a large pot, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the pork skin strips and sauté until slightly crispy.
- Add enough water to cover the pork skin, bringing it to a simmer. Let the broth cook for about 40 minutes to infuse the flavors, ensuring that the pork skin renders down to provide a rich base for your risotto. This savory broth will be used to cook the rice later.
-
Prepare the Other Ingredients:
- Finely chop the shallots.
- Clean the salami by removing its outer casing, then cut it into small pieces.
- Cut the lard into small cubes.
-
Cook the Risotto:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt a generous dollop of butter over medium heat. Add the cubes of lard and cook until they start to crisp up and release their flavor, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the salami to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the meat to release its oils and flavors.
- Add the chopped shallots and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
-
Add the Rice:
- Stir in the Carnaroli rice, ensuring the grains are well-coated in the fat. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the red wine and allow it to evaporate, stirring occasionally to keep the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
-
Cook the Risotto:
- Gradually ladle in the prepared broth, a bit at a time, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more. Continue this process until the rice is halfway cooked, about 12-15 minutes.
- When the rice is halfway cooked, add the chopped cabbage leaves to the pot. Stir well and continue cooking, adding more broth as needed, until the rice is fully cooked and has a creamy consistency, about 5 more minutes.
-
Finish the Dish:
- Once the rice is tender and the consistency is creamy, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in a final tablespoon of butter for extra richness, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Grate the Grana Padano cheese and fold it into the risotto, allowing the cheese to melt into the dish, enriching the flavors.
-
Serve:
- Serve the Paniscia alla Novarese piping hot, garnished with additional grated Grana Padano cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Tips for Perfect Paniscia:
- Carnaroli Rice: This type of rice is ideal for making risotto due to its high starch content, which gives the dish its signature creaminess.
- Broth Base: The pork skin and cabbage-based broth is essential to achieving the authentic flavor of this dish. The broth should be rich but not overpowering, complementing the other ingredients.
- Balance the Fat: While the lard and salami provide richness, make sure to balance the fattiness with the freshness of the cabbage and the acidity from the wine.
Enjoy your Paniscia alla Novarese! This hearty risotto dish offers the perfect combination of comforting flavors and textures, making it the ideal choice for a cozy family meal or a special dinner with friends. Let the rustic, bold flavors of Northern Italy bring a touch of warmth and tradition to your dining table. Buon appetito!
