Traditional Riso alla Pilota with Sausage and Grana Padano

Recipe: Riso alla Pilota (Traditional Mantuan Rice)

Category: First Courses
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

Instructions:

This traditional Mantuan recipe is simple yet delicious, combining the hearty flavor of rice with the savory richness of sausage and Grana Padano cheese. Follow these steps to recreate this beloved Italian dish in your kitchen.

1. Prepare the Rice
   Start by bringing 600 ml of water to a boil in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Ideally, use a copper pot or a sturdy steel pot with a thick base to ensure even heating.

2. Season the Water
   Once the water begins to boil, add a pinch of salt to taste. Then, carefully pour the Vialone Nano rice into the pot. It is recommended to use a funnel for a more controlled pour, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed in the water.

3. Cook the Rice
   Keep the water at a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking. Allow the rice to cook for 10-12 minutes over medium-high heat without a lid, shaking the pot gently from time to time to keep the rice level and promote even cooking.

4. Finish the Rice
   After 10-12 minutes, the rice should have absorbed all the water. Remove the pot from the heat. Cover the pot with a clean kitchen towel, ensuring that the towel is in direct contact with the rice. Then place the lid on the pot and let the rice rest for 10 minutes. This step allows the rice to finish cooking and become perfectly fluffy.

5. Prepare the Sausage and Butter
   While the rice is resting, melt the butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the Mantuan sausage (salamella) and break it up with a wooden spoon. Allow the sausage to cook until it is fully browned and releases its flavorful oils.

6. Combine the Rice and Sausage
   After the resting time, uncover the rice and fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains. Add the cooked sausage and butter mixture to the rice, stirring to combine. The richness of the butter and sausage will infuse the rice with an irresistible savory flavor.

7. Finish with Cheese
   Grate the Grana Padano cheese over the rice and stir until well combined. The cheese will melt into the warm rice, creating a creamy, flavorful finish.

8. Serve
   Serve the Riso alla Pilota warm, either as a main dish or alongside a variety of traditional Italian meats and vegetables. Its rich and comforting flavors are sure to delight.

Enjoy this classic recipe from the heart of Mantua, where the combination of simple ingredients creates a truly unforgettable dish. Perfect for family dinners or a special meal, Riso alla Pilota brings a taste of Italy straight to your table.