Beer Risotto with Radicchio and Sausage
Category: First Courses
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Carnaroli rice | 320g |
| Radicchio | 400g |
| Sausage | 250g |
| Onion | ½ (finely chopped) |
| Red beer | 1 bottle |
| Butter | 20g |
| Vegetable broth | As needed |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Instructions
To make this delicious Beer Risotto with Radicchio and Sausage, begin by preparing the vegetables. Finely chop the radicchio and onion. In a large pan or skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onion and sauté it gently. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Next, crumble the sausage into the pan, adding it to the softened onion. Cook for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage starts to brown and crisps slightly. This step enhances the flavor and creates a savory base for the risotto.
Once the sausage is cooked, pour in the red beer, stirring well to deglaze the pan. Allow the beer to cook off for a few minutes, letting its rich flavor infuse the sausage mixture. Meanwhile, add the rice to the pan, stirring it to coat the grains in the flavorful mixture. Let the rice toast for about 2 minutes to bring out its natural nutty aroma.
Now, begin adding the vegetable broth gradually, a ladleful at a time, stirring constantly. Wait until most of the liquid is absorbed before adding more broth. Continue this process until the rice is fully cooked, creamy, and tender, which will take about 18-20 minutes.
Season the risotto with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Just before serving, stir in some freshly grated Parmesan (or Grana Padano) cheese, if desired, for an added richness and flavor that will perfectly complement the beer and sausage. Mix until the cheese melts completely, giving the risotto a silky smooth texture.
Allow the risotto to rest for about 1 minute before plating. This brief resting time allows the flavors to fully develop, creating the perfect balance of rich, savory, and slightly bitter notes from the radicchio and beer.
Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy this hearty, comforting dish that pairs beautifully with a crisp glass of the same red beer used in cooking, enhancing the flavors even further.
Tips:
- For a more robust flavor, feel free to use a stronger beer variety. A dark beer with malty undertones will provide a deeper richness.
- Make sure to stir the risotto continuously while adding the broth to achieve the desired creamy consistency.
- If you don’t have vegetable broth on hand, chicken broth works well as an alternative.
This Beer Risotto with Radicchio and Sausage is perfect for a cozy dinner, offering both warmth and a unique flavor combination that will impress your guests!
