Seafood Saffron Risotto Recipe

Introduction

Chef Francesco Cavacina guides us through the creation of a beautiful Risotto Milanese with Seafood, a dish that combines the aromatic richness of saffron with the fresh taste of the sea. This dish is not just a staple of Italian cuisine but a worldwide favorite due to its elegant flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• Rice (for risotto)
• Ice
• Saffron
• Parmesan cheese
• Butter
• Onion
• Garlic
• Extra virgin olive oil
• White wine
• Salt
• Shrimps
• Cherry tomatoes
• Fennel
• Bay leaves
• Basil
• Shrimp shells (for the bisque)

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Shrimps:

   • Clean the shrimps, keeping 12 pieces with the tail for garnishing.
   • Remove the intestines carefully with a knife.

2. Prepare the Bisque:

   • After roasting vegetables and shrimp shells in a big pot, add cold water.
   • Let it simmer for two hours and then strain it to get a clear, flavorful broth.

3. Cook the Risotto:

   • Sweat the onion with olive oil in a pan.
   • Add the rice and toast it for approximately 5 minutes.
   • Deglaze with white wine and then start adding the bisque spoon by spoon.
   • During the cooking process, add saffron to give the risotto its distinctive color and flavor.
   • Continue cooking until the rice is al dente, about 10-12 minutes.

4. Finish the Risotto:

   • Once the rice is cooked, switch off the fire.
   • Add the shrimps, butter, Parmesan cheese, and a dash of extra virgin olive oil.
   • Mix everything until you achieve a creamy consistency. This final step, known as "mantecatura," adds creaminess to the risotto.

5. Plate and Garnish:

   • Plate the risotto using a ring mold to give it a neat, rounded shape.
   • Garnish with the tail-on shrimps and finish with a sprinkle of lime zest for an added zesty flavor.

Conclusion

This Risotto Milanese with Seafood is a harmonious blend of the subtle aroma of saffron and the fresh taste of shrimps, making it a sophisticated dish perfect for special occasions. The creamy texture of the risotto paired with the succulent shrimps creates an exquisite dining experience.