Title: Beer and Speck Risotto – A Hearty and Flavorful Dish
Category: Main Courses
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Carnaroli rice | 320g |
| Dark beer | 330ml |
| Speck | 150g |
| Cow’s milk ricotta | 100g |
| Butter | 30g |
| Onion | 1 |
| Fresh parsley | 2 sprigs |
| Vegetable broth | 1 liter |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Fine salt | To taste |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Onion and Speck: Start by peeling the onion, then finely chop it into small pieces. Next, take the speck and slice it into tiny cubes, ensuring the pieces are evenly sized. This will allow them to crisp up and enhance the overall texture of the risotto.
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Sauté the Onion and Speck: Place a large pan or skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely. Once the butter has melted, toss in the chopped onion and sauté it gently. Allow the onion to soften and turn translucent, which should take about 10 minutes. Then, add the cubed speck to the pan and stir, ensuring that the speck crisps up slightly as it mixes with the softening onion. These flavorful ingredients will contribute depth to the dish, and some of the speck will be reserved for garnishing at the end.
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Add the Rice: Pour the Carnaroli rice into the pan with the onion and speck mixture. Stir the rice for a minute or two to allow it to lightly toast, ensuring that it absorbs the flavors of the butter, onion, and speck. This will create a flavorful base for the risotto.
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Incorporate the Beer: Once the rice is toasted, gradually pour in the dark beer, a little at a time. Allow the rice to absorb the beer before adding more. This slow incorporation will help the rice absorb the rich, malty flavors of the beer, giving the risotto its unique character.
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Add Broth Gradually: After the beer has been fully absorbed, begin adding the vegetable broth, one ladle at a time. Stir continuously, ensuring the liquid is absorbed before adding more. This gradual method is key to creating the creamy texture that is characteristic of a perfect risotto. Continue this process until the rice is cooked to al dente, which typically takes about 18-20 minutes.
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Finish the Risotto: When the rice is tender yet still firm to the bite, add the ricotta cheese. Stir well to combine, allowing the ricotta to melt into the rice and create a creamy, luscious texture. The cheese will enhance the dish’s richness, balancing the earthy flavors of the beer and speck.
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Season and Garnish: Once the risotto reaches the desired creamy consistency, remove the pan from the heat. Season with fine salt and black pepper to taste. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and a fresh, herby flavor that complements the rich, savory ingredients.
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Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the creamy beer and speck risotto onto plates, making sure to top each serving with the crispy speck pieces that were reserved for garnish. Serve immediately, allowing everyone to savor the complex layers of flavors in each bite. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or a side of roasted vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Beer and Speck Risotto is a delightful twist on the traditional Italian risotto. The combination of dark beer and speck brings a unique depth of flavor, while the creamy ricotta adds richness and smoothness to each bite. Perfect for a cozy dinner with loved ones, this risotto delivers comfort and sophistication in one bowl. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress with its bold flavors and satisfying texture.
