Risotto al Telefono: A Delicious Creamy Italian Dish
Category: First Course
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vialone Nano Rice | 320g |
| Shallot | 1 |
| Tomato Passata | 200g |
| Mozzarella | 120g |
| Marjoram | To taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | To taste |
| Fine Salt | To taste |
| Vegetable Broth | 5L |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by heating a small amount of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan or pot. Thinly slice the shallot and add it to the pan. Sauté gently over low heat until the shallot becomes soft and translucent, releasing its sweet aroma. This will create a fragrant base for your risotto.
Step 2: Add the Tomato Passata
Once the shallots are soft, pour in the tomato passata (pureed tomatoes) and stir. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld together. This rich, tangy base is a key component in the risotto al telefono’s signature flavor.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Add the vialone nano rice to the pan, stirring it for a minute or so to lightly toast the grains. This helps the rice absorb the flavors of the tomato sauce and shallots, creating a perfect foundation for the risotto.
Step 4: Start Cooking the Risotto
Begin adding the vegetable broth, a ladleful at a time, just enough to cover the rice. Stir constantly, allowing the liquid to be absorbed before adding more. Continue this process, slowly adding the broth, until the rice is cooked al dente. Depending on the heat and the exact rice you’re using, this process will take around 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on the risotto and stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
Step 5: Season to Taste
Once the rice has absorbed most of the broth and is nearing perfect doneness, season with fine salt to taste. Keep in mind the salt content of your broth, so add sparingly at first and adjust if necessary.
Step 6: Add the Mozzarella
Turn off the heat once the rice is perfectly cooked. Dice the mozzarella into small pieces and stir it into the risotto. The warmth of the rice will melt the mozzarella, creating a creamy, stringy texture that gives this dish its iconic “telephone” effect as the cheese stretches.
Step 7: Final Touches
Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the risotto and sprinkle with fresh marjoram to add an herby note. Give the risotto a final gentle stir to incorporate everything, ensuring that each bite is creamy and rich.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Plate the risotto while it’s still piping hot. Serve immediately, and enjoy this delicious, creamy risotto al telefono with its irresistible mozzarella pull. It’s perfect as a comforting first course for a family dinner or a special occasion.
This Risotto al Telefono recipe is a simple yet decadent Italian dish that pairs the earthy flavors of risotto with the rich creaminess of melted mozzarella. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress, both for its flavor and the delightful cheese stretch that gives it its charming name.
