Creamy Risotto all’Amarone with Monte Veronese Cheese

Risotto all’Amarone Recipe: A Decadent Italian Delight
Category: First Course (Primi Piatti)
Serves: 4

Risotto is a timeless Italian dish that embodies the heart of Northern Italy’s culinary traditions, and Risotto all’Amarone is a true showstopper. This rich, flavorful risotto is enhanced by Amarone, a bold red wine from the Veneto region, creating a delightful balance of sweetness and depth. Perfectly creamy and infused with the distinct flavors of wine, butter, and Monte Veronese cheese, this dish is a wonderful option for any special meal or a cozy dinner with loved ones. Let’s dive into how to make this classic Italian dish!

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shallots
   Begin by finely chopping the shallot into small pieces. This delicate onion will add a subtle sweetness and depth to the risotto.

2. Cook the Aromatics
   In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt 30g of butter over medium heat. Add the bone marrow (midollo) and allow it to melt and infuse the butter with its rich, savory flavor. Once the marrow is well integrated into the butter, add the chopped shallot. Sauté gently, stirring frequently until the shallot becomes soft and translucent. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

3. Toast the Rice
   Once the shallot has softened, add the Vialone Nano rice to the pan. Stir the rice around with a wooden spoon to ensure each grain is evenly coated with the buttery mixture. Let the rice toast for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step helps the rice retain its structure and absorb the flavors of the shallot and butter.

4. Deglaze with Amarone Wine
   Once the rice is well-toasted, it’s time to pour in the Amarone wine. Add it slowly, in two to three stages, allowing the wine to be absorbed by the rice before adding more. This process will take about 5 minutes, during which the rice will soak up the rich flavors of the wine. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon.

5. Cook the Risotto
   After the wine has been absorbed, begin adding the beef broth. Add one ladle of broth at a time, allowing it to be absorbed before adding the next. Stir constantly to ensure the rice cooks evenly. This process takes about 20-25 minutes, so be patient and keep the heat on a gentle simmer to allow the rice to cook through while remaining al dente.

6. Finish the Risotto
   Once the rice is tender but firm to the bite, it’s time to finish the dish. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the remaining 30g of butter. Grate the Monte Veronese cheese and add it to the risotto. Stir well to combine, ensuring the cheese melts smoothly into the risotto, creating a creamy and luxurious texture.

7. Season and Serve
   Taste your risotto and season with salt as needed. Serve immediately while the risotto is hot, and garnish with additional grated Monte Veronese cheese if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with a glass of Amarone wine for an unforgettable dining experience.

Tips for Perfect Risotto

• Use the right rice: Vialone Nano rice is recommended for this recipe because it has a slightly larger grain and absorbs liquids well, making it perfect for risotto.
• Broth quality: The broth is a key component of risotto. Make sure to use a flavorful beef broth to complement the rich taste of the Amarone.
• Stirring is key: Constant stirring helps release the starch from the rice, which is what gives risotto its creamy texture. Don’t rush this step!
• Wine: The choice of Amarone wine is crucial. Its deep, rich flavor adds complexity to the dish. If Amarone is not available, you can use another full-bodied red wine, but the result will be slightly different.

Why You’ll Love This Risotto

Risotto all’Amarone is a decadent, comforting dish with a luxurious texture and deep, rich flavors. The slow, careful cooking process allows the wine to penetrate the rice, creating layers of flavor that evolve as you take each bite. The addition of bone marrow and Monte Veronese cheese adds an indulgent richness, making this risotto a perfect dish for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home.

This recipe is designed for those who appreciate the art of cooking risotto and want to experience the authentic taste of Italy’s Veneto region. The combination of beef broth, red wine, and rich butter creates an unforgettable dish that’s as elegant as it is delicious.

Pairing Suggestions

For a full Italian-inspired meal, serve Risotto all’Amarone alongside a fresh green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette. The acidity in the vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the risotto. A grilled steak or roasted chicken would also complement the dish beautifully, making for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

If you’re looking to keep the meal truly authentic, pair your risotto with a glass of Amarone wine, ideally from the Veneto region. The bold flavors of the wine will enhance the dish’s richness, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Enjoy your Risotto all’Amarone—a truly unforgettable dish that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy!