Orange Risotto (Risotto all’Arancia) – A Bright Twist on Classic Italian Comfort
Category: Main Courses
Serves: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Carnaroli Rice | 350g |
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Butter | 50g |
| Orange | 1 |
| Grana Padano DOP Cheese | 30g |
| White Wine | to taste (q.b.) |
| Chives | 3 sprigs |
| Fine Salt | to taste (q.b.) |
| White Pepper | to taste (q.b.) |
| Vegetable Broth | 1L |
Instructions
-
Prep the Orange: Start by thoroughly washing the orange. Use a vegetable peeler to carefully remove the zest, avoiding the bitter white pith beneath. Set aside the zest for later use. Then, juice the orange to extract all its fresh citrusy goodness.
-
-
Sauté the Onion: Finely chop the onion. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and add the onion. Sauté the onion gently until it becomes soft and translucent, releasing its natural sweetness.
-
Cook the Rice: Once the onion is softened, add the Carnaroli rice to the pan. Stir the rice constantly, ensuring each grain is well-coated with the buttery goodness. This step, known as toasting the rice, enhances its flavor.
-
Deglaze with White Wine: Pour in a splash of white wine, stirring until it is mostly absorbed by the rice. This adds depth and complexity to the flavor of the risotto.
-
Add the Broth: Gradually ladle in the hot vegetable broth, a bit at a time, stirring frequently. Allow the rice to absorb the broth before adding more. This slow process allows the rice to cook evenly and absorb all the rich flavors, creating that signature creamy texture.
-
Incorporate the Orange: Just a few minutes before the rice is fully cooked (after about 15-18 minutes), add the orange zest and the fresh orange juice to the risotto. Stir well to combine, allowing the citrus notes to infuse the dish.
-
Finish the Risotto: Once the rice is tender but still al dente, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the Grana Padano cheese, which will melt into the risotto, adding a delightful richness. Season the risotto with fine salt and white pepper to taste.
-
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the risotto to serving plates. Garnish each portion with thin orange slices, extra zest, and a sprinkle of chopped chives for a fresh, herbal finish. Serve immediately while the risotto is at its creamy best.
Tips for the Ultimate Orange Risotto Experience:
- Use a good-quality vegetable broth to enhance the flavor of the risotto.
- Grana Padano cheese is an essential ingredient, but you can substitute with Parmesan for a similar flavor.
- For a more intense citrus flavor, add a touch of orange liqueur (such as Cointreau) when deglazing with wine.
This Orange Risotto brings a bright, citrusy flair to the classic Italian dish. Its creamy texture paired with the sweet, tangy orange makes it an ideal dish for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings.
