Messy red rice

Messy red rice is a typically southern recipe, drawing inspiration from a local variation of risotto. Here is the recipe with that undeniable Italian touch:

Ingredients

  • 300 g of red rice
  • 1 liter of vegetable broth
  • 150 g of ground pork
  • 100 g of sausage, cut into pieces
  • 200 g of peeled tomatoes
  • 1 small onion
  • 100 g of frozen peas
  • 80 g of mushrooms (such as champignon or porcini)
  • 70 g of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 30 g of butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • A pinch of chili pepper (optional)

Preparation

  1. Start by finely chopping the onion and sautéing it in a large pan with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and, if you like, a pinch of chili pepper.

  2. Add the ground pork and sausage pieces, letting it all brown until the meat is well cooked and golden.

  3. Meanwhile, in a separate small pan, cook the mushrooms with a drizzle of oil and a pinch of salt.

  4. Add the peeled tomatoes to the meat, crushing them well with a fork to break up the larger pieces, and cook for a few minutes.

  5. Add the red rice and toast for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly.

  6. Pour in the hot vegetable broth a little at a time, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more. Remember to stir frequently.

  7. Halfway through cooking, add the peas and the previously prepared mushrooms.

  8. Continue cooking, adding broth when necessary, until the rice is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

  9. To finish, incorporate the butter and Parmesan, mixing well to cream the rice.

  10. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper as you like.

  11. Let the messy red rice rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Did you know?

The term “messy” refers to the mixture of ingredients that are combined together, resulting in a dish rich in flavors and distinct from traditional Italian risottos due to its denser consistency and the pronounced presence of meat. In some variations, this dish might also include other types of vegetables or various spices to further enrich the taste.

Messy red rice