Description
Silky smooth Italian prawn risotto whispers coastal elegance with each creamy spoonful. Succulent prawns nestled in saffron-kissed rice invite you to savor Mediterranean comfort in one luxurious dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 330 grams arborio rice
- 20 raw prawns (shelled, deveined but tails intact)
- 112 liters (29.6 gallons) chicken stock
Aromatics and Herbs:
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 small red chillies
- 1 lemon (zest, grated)
- 1 tablespoon lemon (juice)
- 28 grams fresh parsley (roughly chopped)
Seasonings and Fats:
- 50 grams butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Heat stock in a large pot, preparing it for the risotto base.
- In a heavy-based pan, melt olive oil with butter over medium heat, gently sautéing chopped onions until translucent and soft.
- Add rice, stirring continuously to coat each grain with the aromatic oil and butter mixture for about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually ladle hot stock into the rice, stirring consistently and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding more, approximately 18-22 minutes.
- When rice reaches creamy, al dente consistency, remove from heat and incorporate remaining butter, freshly grated lemon zest, lemon juice, and cracked black pepper.
- Let the risotto rest, covered, for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and achieve optimal texture.
- In a separate pan, crush garlic and chili using a mortar and pestle to release intense aromatics.
- Heat extra olive oil in a skillet over high heat until nearly smoking, then quickly sear seasoned prawns for 2 minutes until they turn opaque.
- Add crushed garlic and chili to the prawns, cooking for an additional minute to infuse flavors.
- Plate the risotto in serving bowls, top with seared prawns, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and garnish with lemon wedges.
- Optional: Enhance the dish with finely chopped celery and a delicate rosemary sprig for additional depth.
Notes
- Experiment with homemade stock for deeper, richer flavor profiles that elevate the entire risotto experience.
- Toast rice grains slightly longer to develop a nutty undertone and enhance the overall complexity of the dish.
- Use fresh, high-quality prawns for maximum sweetness and tender texture during quick high-heat cooking.
- Substitute arborio rice with carnaroli for an even creamier, more luxurious risotto consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 236 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 433 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 68 mg