Risotto alla Milanese
Golden, creamy, and deeply comforting. This authentic risotto alla milanese recipe brings the flavors of Milan to your kitchen with simple ingredients and timeless Italian technique.
Equipment
- Heavy-bottom saucepan or risotto pot (even heat is critical)
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula (gentle stirring)
- Ladle (for controlled broth additions)
- Small bowl (for blooming saffron)
Ingredients
For the Risotto
- 1 ½ cups Arborio or Carnaroli rice about 300 g
- 5 cups hot beef broth or vegetable broth 1.2 liters
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion or shallot finely minced
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ½ teaspoon saffron threads
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Saffron
- Place the saffron threads in a small bowl and add 2 tablespoons of hot broth. Let bloom while you begin the risotto. This releases color and aroma.
Warm the Broth
- Heat the broth in a separate saucepan and keep it hot but not boiling throughout the cooking process.
Build the Base
- In a heavy-bottom pot, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced onion and cook gently until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Do not brown.
Toast the Rice
- Add the rice to the pot and stir for 1 to 2 minutes until the grains look glossy and lightly toasted.
Deglaze with Wine
- Pour in the white wine and stir until fully absorbed.
Begin the Risotto
- Add one ladle of hot broth to the rice. Stir gently until absorbed. Continue adding broth one ladle at a time, stirring often.
Add the Saffron
- After about 10 minutes, stir in the bloomed saffron and its liquid. The risotto will turn a rich golden color.
Finish the Risotto
- After 18 to 20 minutes total, the rice should be tender with a slight bite. Remove from heat. Stir in the remaining butter and grated Parmigiano until creamy.
Rest and Serve
- Cover and let rest for 1 minute. Taste and adjust salt. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Serving: 4gCalories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 10gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 480mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1g
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