Citrus Risotto Recipe – A Burst of Fresh Flavors
Discover the delicate balance of creamy risotto paired with zesty citrus notes in this irresistible Citrus Risotto recipe. Perfect for a refined dinner or a refreshing twist to a classic Italian dish, this recipe serves 4 and ensures a harmonious blend of creamy mascarpone, vibrant citrus, and savory pecorino romano.
Ingredients
Below is a detailed breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this stunning dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Golden onion | 1 |
| Black peppercorns | 3 |
| Water | 2 liters |
| Coarse salt | To taste |
| Carrot | 1 |
| Orange zest | From 1 orange |
| Lemon zest | From 1 lemon |
| Carnaroli rice | 320 g |
| Mascarpone cheese | 100 g |
| Orange | 1 |
| Lemon | 1 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 15 g |
| Dry white wine | 35 g |
| Pecorino Romano cheese | 25 g |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Ground black pepper | To taste |
| Fresh thyme leaves | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~450 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~58 g |
| Protein | ~8 g |
| Fats | ~16 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~7 g |
| Fiber | ~3 g |
| Sodium | ~450 mg |
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to master the art of preparing Citrus Risotto:
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
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Begin by peeling and halving the golden onion. Place it cut-side down in a large pot over medium heat, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
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Meanwhile, use a vegetable peeler to carefully remove the zest from both the orange and the lemon. Be cautious to avoid the bitter white pith. Cut the zest into large strips for easy removal later.
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Rinse the carrot thoroughly, leaving the peel intact, and chop it into large chunks.
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Once the onion is golden and aromatic, add the carrot chunks, citrus zest strips, and black peppercorns to the pot. Pour in 2 liters of water and bring to a gentle boil.
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Simmer the mixture for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse. Strain the broth, discarding the solids, and keep it warm on low heat.
Step 2: Prep the Citrus Fruits
- Take the orange and lemon used for zesting and carefully peel them “à vif,” a technique where the peel and white pith are entirely removed.
- Segment the fruits by cutting between the membranes, then dice the segments into small, uniform cubes. Reserve any juices released during this process to enhance the risotto’s flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion
- Finely chop the remaining golden onion.
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, stirring frequently to prevent browning.
Step 4: Toast the Rice
- Add the Carnaroli rice to the sautéed onion. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes, toasting the grains until they become lightly golden and fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan with dry white wine, stirring until the alcohol evaporates completely.
Step 5: Cook the Risotto
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Begin adding the warm broth to the rice, one ladleful at a time. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and a creamy texture. Allow each addition of broth to be absorbed before adding the next.
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After about 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the diced citrus segments and their reserved juices. Continue cooking, gradually adding broth, until the rice is tender but still al dente. This should take approximately 18-20 minutes.
Step 6: Finish the Risotto
- Remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the mascarpone cheese and grated Pecorino Romano. Mix thoroughly until creamy and well incorporated.
- Season with fine salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the risotto for a final burst of flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Spoon the creamy risotto onto warm plates. Garnish with a few additional thyme leaves or a sprinkle of grated Pecorino Romano for an elegant finish. Serve immediately to savor the vibrant blend of citrus and creamy rice.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Rice: Carnaroli rice is preferred for its ability to maintain a firm texture while absorbing the flavors of the broth.
- Keep It Warm: Always use warm broth to maintain the cooking temperature of the risotto, ensuring an even and creamy consistency.
- Don’t Rush: Stirring frequently and adding broth gradually is key to the risotto’s creamy texture.
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Enjoy this delightful Citrus Risotto recipe, a refreshing twist that combines the best of creamy and zesty flavors. Perfect for impressing your family and friends or savoring a refined weekday dinner.
