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Creamy Risotto Milanese Recipe with Saffron

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This classic Italian risotto features Arborio rice, saffron, and Parmigiano Reggiano for a creamy, golden comfort dish. It’s easy enough for weeknights but elegant enough for special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus 1 tablespoon for finishing
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 5 cups chicken or vegetable broth, kept warm
  • 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads (a generous pinch)
  • 1/2 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, freshly grated
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Pour 5 cups of chicken or vegetable broth into a medium saucepan and heat over low until steaming. Keep warm.
  2. In a small bowl, scoop out 1/2 cup of hot broth and add saffron threads. Let steep for 2 minutes until the broth turns golden.
  3. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in Arborio rice and cook, stirring constantly, until the rice looks slightly translucent around the edges, about 2 minutes.
  5. Pour in white wine and stir until mostly absorbed.
  6. Add hot broth 1 ladle (about 1/2 cup) at a time, stirring often and letting each addition absorb before adding the next. After 2 additions, pour in the saffron-infused broth.
  7. Continue adding broth and stirring for 18–20 minutes, tasting after 15 minutes for doneness. The rice should be creamy but still have a slight bite.
  8. Turn off the heat. Stir in Parmigiano Reggiano and 1 tablespoon butter. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  9. Let the risotto sit for 1 minute, then spoon into warm bowls. Top with extra Parmigiano and black pepper if desired.

Notes

Use warm broth for best texture. Stir gently and taste often for doneness. For vegetarian, use vegetable broth. For dairy-free, substitute olive oil and vegan Parmesan. Add peas or herbs for color if desired. Leftovers can be shaped into patties and pan-fried for arancini.

Nutrition

Keywords: risotto, Milanese, saffron, Italian, comfort food, creamy, Parmigiano, Arborio rice, easy dinner, vegetarian option, gluten-free

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/creamy-risotto-milanese-recipe-with-saffron-easy-italian-comfort-food/