Speck and saffron risotto

The speck and saffron risotto is a simple but delicious first course thanks to the combination of the smoked speck and the precious spice.

Risotto is a simple first course but also perfect for the most important occasions. In fact, there are many who consider its preparation difficult and yet just following a few tips is enough to obtain perfectly cooked and well-creamed rice . The speck and saffron risotto is certainly no exception.

A richer and tastier version than the simple "yellow risotto", it is particularly suitable during the cold season . In fact, the smoky hint of speck is perfect for warming body and soul when the days start to get shorter. But how do you prepare a perfect saffron and speck risotto, where the speck remains tender and tasty ? We are about to reveal it to you.

How to prepare the speck and saffron risotto recipe

1. First, cut the speck into strips and brown it in a pan with half the butter for 3-5 minutes, just long enough for it to release flavor and become crunchy. Then remove it from the pan, trying to leave all the fat inside and transfer it to a plate .
2. Pour the oil into the same pan and brown the finely sliced ​​onion (or shallot for a more delicate flavour).
3. Then add the rice , toast it for 2 minutes and when it is nice and shiny, add the white wine.
4. Once the alcoholic part has evaporated, begin the actual cooking by covering the rice thinly with the boiling broth . It is important to add it little at a time to allow the grain to release all the starches. In total it will take 16-18 minutes .
5. About 5 minutes before the end of cooking , dissolve the saffron in a little broth and add it to the risotto. This way it will retain all its flavour.
6. Once the rice is ready, remove it from the heat, stir in the remaining butter and add the speck prepared initially. Mix and serve hot.

Saffron risotto really lends itself to many variations , you can combine the spice together with contrasting ingredients such as radicchio or sausage, but also work with similar flavors by combining taleggio for example. Even rice and speck, you might not believe it, but they lend themselves to being combined with other ingredients, in our opinion a winning proposal is risotto with apples and speck !

Conservation

Enjoy your risotto at the moment, when it is still hot and creamy. If you have any leftovers, place it in the refrigerator for a maximum of 3 days in an airtight container and reheat it in a pan or in the microwave before enjoying it.

Read also

The 7 steps to make a perfect risotto!