Lemon Risotto (Risotto al Limone)
Category: First Courses
Servings: 4
This creamy, fragrant Lemon Risotto is a delightful dish that combines the freshness of lemon with the richness of Robiola cheese and the subtlety of thyme. Itโs a perfect first course for a spring or summer meal, offering a refreshing twist on the traditional risotto. The preparation involves making a homemade vegetable broth infused with lemon, which is then used to slowly cook the rice, allowing it to absorb all the flavors gradually. The final result is a velvety, aromatic risotto that is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Carnaroli rice | 320g |
| Lemon zest | 1 |
| White wine | 40g |
| Robiola cheese | 100g |
| Fresh thyme | 1 sprig |
| Pecorino Romano cheese | 20g |
| Water (for broth) | 5 liters |
| Carrots | 80g |
| White onions | 80g |
| Celery | 80g |
| Lemons | 1 |
| Coarse sea salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Whole black peppercorns | 1 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 350 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 60g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Lemon-Infused Vegetable Broth
To begin, make the aromatic vegetable broth. Start by washing and preparing the vegetables: peel and chop the carrots, celery, and onions. The weights provided in the recipe refer to the vegetables once they have been cleaned and peeled. Combine them in a large pot with the whole black peppercorns and sea salt. Add about 5 liters of water to the pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let the broth simmer for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. During the last few minutes of cooking, add the zest of the lemon to the broth, letting it infuse the liquid with a subtle citrus aroma.
Step 2: Toast the Rice and Deglaze with White Wine
In a separate, large pan, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Carnaroli rice and toast it for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the rice from burning. This step helps to bring out the nutty flavors of the rice. Once the rice is lightly toasted, pour in the white wine. Stir to deglaze the pan, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the rice to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Risotto
Now, begin adding the prepared lemon-infused vegetable broth to the rice. Use a ladle to add one scoop of broth at a time, stirring constantly. Wait until the liquid is almost completely absorbed before adding the next scoop of broth. This slow cooking process is essential to achieving the creamy texture that risotto is known for. Continue this process for about 16-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender but still has a slight bite to it (al dente). You may not need all of the broth, so taste the rice periodically to check for doneness.
Step 4: Finish the Risotto
Once the rice has reached the desired texture, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the grated Pecorino Romano cheese and Robiola cheese, which will melt into the risotto, creating a rich and creamy consistency. Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme and the grated zest of the lemon to enhance the fragrance and flavor. If the risotto seems too thick, add an additional scoop of broth to loosen it up.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, season the risotto with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it one last stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly. The result should be a silky, creamy risotto with a perfect balance of lemony brightness and savory richness. Serve the risotto immediately, garnished with additional thyme sprigs if desired. Itโs best enjoyed while still hot, with a glass of crisp white wine on the side.
Serving Suggestions
This Lemon Risotto pairs beautifully with light salads, grilled vegetables, or a side of crusty bread. It can also serve as a wonderful side dish to seafood, such as grilled shrimp or roasted salmon. The refreshing citrus notes make it an ideal option for spring and summer meals, bringing a fresh, seasonal touch to any table.
Enjoy this creamy, citrus-infused risotto as a standout dish at your next family dinner or dinner party. With its vibrant flavors and luxurious texture, it is sure to become a favorite recipe in your repertoire.
