It has come to light that our traditional approach to cooking risotto has been fundamentally flawed. During a recent visit to Milan, we were enlightened to the fact that the laborious and time-consuming process of constantly stirring the risotto is unnecessary.
Contrary to popular belief, there is no requirement for a slow simmer or the delicate practice of gradually adding broth to the dish.
Our eyes were opened at Trattoria Masuelli San Marco, where we witnessed the creation of a delectably creamy and perfectly textured risotto using a lightning-fast, dump-and-go technique.
This revelation has revolutionized our approach to weeknight cooking, as we eagerly embrace this new method.
Within the pages of our esteemed culinary publication, “Cook What You Have,” lies a remarkable recipe that utilizes the fundamental components found within our pantry to concoct effortlessly delectable meals.
In this particular recipe, we employ a technique that involves the incorporation of a portion of the liquid at an early stage, coupled with the reliance on brisk intermittent stirring.
This ingenious approach effectively agitates the Arborio rice, thereby facilitating the liberation of its starch.
Consequently, this process leads to the thickening of the cooking liquid and the creation of the luscious and velvety consistency that serves as the quintessential characteristic of a truly exceptional risotto.
In this particular rendition, the dish is elevated with the inclusion of delectable Italian sausage, renowned for its robust and tantalizing flavor profile.
Bursting with an array of aromatic spices such as fennel seed and black pepper, this sausage imparts a delightful complexity to the overall composition.
The choice between sweet or hot sausage is entirely subjective, allowing for a personalized touch to the culinary creation.
Prior to incorporating it into the cooking process, the removal of the sausage from its casing is recommended, as this facilitates the breaking down of the meat into smaller, more manageable fragments.
As a finishing touch, sun-dried tomatoes are introduced, imparting a vibrant burst of color and a delightful tangy sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the other elements.
Additionally, the inclusion of Parmesan cheese adds a layer of umami richness and a subtle nutty undertone, further enhancing the overall sensory experience of this remarkable dish.
Risotto with Sausage and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a delectable dish that can be prepared in just 40 minutes. This recipe yields four servings, making it perfect for a family meal or a gathering with friends.
To begin, gather your ingredients, including a quart of low-sodium chicken broth, two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil (divided), and eight ounces of either sweet or hot Italian sausage with the casing removed.
Finely chop a small yellow onion and set it aside. Season the sausage with kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste.
In a large saucepan, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and add the sausage and chopped onion.
Cook until the sausage is browned and the onion is tender, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a simmer.
Once the sausage and onion mixture is cooked, add one cup of Arborio rice and cook for about two minutes, stirring frequently.
Next, add the sun-dried tomatoes and stir for one minute. Gradually add the simmering chicken broth, about ½ cup at a time, stirring constantly until the liquid is absorbed before adding more.
This process should take approximately 20 minutes. The risotto is done when the rice is tender but still firm to the bite, and the mixture is creamy.
Remove the risotto from the heat and stir in the finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley or basil, along with the finely grated Parmesan cheese.
Serve the risotto immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. This dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and creamy texture.
In the pursuit of culinary excellence, one must pay careful attention to the nuances of each step in a recipe.
As we embark on the preparation of a delectable dish, it is essential to commence with the proper techniques. To begin, in a medium saucepan set over a medium heat, we shall bring the broth and two cups of water to a gentle simmer, ensuring that the pan is covered to retain the desired temperature.
It is imperative to exercise caution and precision in this process, as the ideal simmer will contribute to the optimal flavor and consistency of our final creation.
Once the simmer has been achieved, we shall reduce the heat to a low setting, thereby maintaining the warmth of the liquid for subsequent stages of our culinary endeavor.
Moving forward, we shall now turn our attention to a separate large saucepan, which we shall position over a medium heat source. In order to initiate the development of complex flavors, we shall proceed to heat a tablespoon of oil until it reaches a shimmering state.
This shimmering oil serves as a precursor to the transformative process that awaits our chosen ingredient, the sausage.
With utmost care and precision, we shall introduce the sausage to the pan, ensuring that it is broken into small, manageable pieces.
The subsequent cooking process will involve vigilant monitoring, as we strive to achieve a state in which the sausage is no longer pink and begins to exhibit a tantalizing hint of browning.
The duration of this cooking process shall be approximately five to six minutes, during which we shall employ a slotted spoon to carefully transfer the cooked sausage to a small bowl, where it shall patiently await its role in the symphony of flavors that we are orchestrating.
In the culinary realm, precision and technique are paramount in achieving a delectable dish. With this in mind, we turn our attention to a large saucepan, placed over medium heat, where the remaining tablespoon of oil is added and allowed to heat until it shimmers enticingly.
Into this fragrant pool, we introduce the onion, accompanied by a pinch of salt, and embark on a patient journey of stirring occasionally, allowing the onion to soften and release its natural flavors, a process that takes approximately five minutes.
As the onion surrenders its firmness, we introduce the rice to the pan, ensuring that every grain is coated in the tantalizing oil.
A constant stirring motion ensues, as we patiently await the transformation of the rice, observing its edges turn translucent, a sign of its readiness for the next phase.
This metamorphosis typically takes one to two minutes, a brief yet crucial interval in the pursuit of culinary excellence.
Now, we summon three cups of the hot broth mixture, gently pouring it into the pan, causing an aromatic symphony to fill the air.
Gradually, the mixture reaches a state of ebullience, brought about by the medium-high heat, and we promptly reduce the flame to a more moderate level, ensuring a consistent, vigorous simmer.
The rice, now bathed in the broth, eagerly absorbs the liquid, its grains swelling with each passing moment.
This process demands our undivided attention, as we stir often and briskly, allowing the rice to absorb the majority of the liquid, a feat that typically requires ten to twelve minutes.
Throughout this endeavor, we vigilantly adjust the heat, ensuring that the simmer remains robust and unwavering.
With the passage of time, the rice begins to approach the pinnacle of its journey, its texture transforming into a state of al dente perfection.
We continue to cook, adding a quarter cup of the broth at a time, meticulously monitoring the rice’s progress.
The goal is to achieve a loose consistency, where the grains are tender yet maintain their individuality, without succumbing to a soupy fate.
This final phase, which demands our patience and expertise, requires an additional eight to ten minutes. It is important to note that the entirety of the broth may not be needed, as the rice dictates its own destiny.
As our creation nears completion, we introduce the sausage, accompanied by its succulent juices, and the sun-dried tomatoes, both eager to join the harmonious symphony of flavors.
A gentle stirring motion is employed, ensuring that the sausage and tomatoes are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
The heat, though diminished, continues to work its magic, gently warming these ingredients until they reach a state of delectable perfection, an endeavor that typically requires a mere minute.
Finally, we remove the pan from the heat, our culinary masterpiece nearing its denouement. With great care, we introduce the parsley and Parmesan, the final notes in our symphony of flavors.
A thorough mixing ensues, ensuring that every grain of rice is adorned with the aromatic parsley and the richness of the Parmesan.
At this juncture, it is imperative that we taste our creation, allowing our discerning palates to guide us in the delicate art of seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring a harmonious balance of flavors.
With our task complete, we present our creation to the world, a dish that embodies the artistry and precision of culinary craftsmanship.
Each serving is adorned with a sprinkling of additional Parmesan, a final touch that elevates the dish to new heights.
As we savor the fruits of our labor, we revel in the knowledge that our efforts have culminated in a masterpiece that will delight and satiate the senses of all who partake in its glory.