Apple and Speck Risotto

I can provide you with a recipe for risotto with apples and speck, which combines the sweetness of apples with the savoriness of speck. Here’s how you can prepare this dish:

Ingredients

• 320 g of Carnaroli or Arborio rice
• 2 apples, preferably tart (such as Granny Smith)
• 150 g of diced speck
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 liter of vegetable broth (or meat broth, if you prefer)
• 1 glass of dry white wine
• 40 g of butter
• Extra virgin olive oil as needed
• Salt and pepper as needed
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Preparation

1. In a large pot, sauté the finely chopped onion in a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil until it becomes transparent.
2. Add the diced speck and let it brown for a few minutes.
3. Peel the apples, remove the cores, and cut them into small cubes.
4. Add the apples to the pot with the speck and onion and let it flavor for a couple of minutes.
5. Increase the heat and add the rice, toasting it for a few minutes until it becomes translucent, stirring to prevent it from sticking or burning.
6. Deglaze with the white wine and let the alcohol evaporate.
7. Begin adding the broth a ladle at a time, waiting for the rice to absorb almost all the liquid before adding the next. Continue like this for about 15-18 minutes.
8. Taste the rice to test its doneness: it should be al dente.
9. Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the butter, adjusting salt and pepper to your taste. If you wish, you can also add grated Parmesan cheese.
10. Let the risotto rest for a minute with the lid on, then serve hot.

Curiosity

The risotto with apples and speck is a dish that combines the tradition of Italian cuisine with innovation by mixing sweet and savory flavors. This risotto is ideal for those who want a comforting dish but with an original twist. The addition of an aged cheese like Parmesan can further enhance its taste.