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Fennel and Primo Sale Risotto

17/11/2023

Fennel and primo sale risotto is a delicate and fragrant dish, an interesting variation on the more classic Italian risottos. Here is how to prepare it:

Ingredients

  • 320 g of risotto rice (such as Arborio or Carnaroli)
  • 2 medium fennels
  • 200 g of primo sale (a fresh and soft cheese)
  • 1 shallot
  • 1 liter of vegetable broth
  • 1 glass of dry white wine
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A bunch of fresh dill or wild fennel (optional)

Preparation

  1. Clean and finely slice the shallots and fennels. Set aside a few green fronds of the fennel to garnish the dish.

  2. In a large saucepan, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and sauté the shallot until it becomes transparent. Add the slices of fennel and cook over low heat for about 10 minutes, until they soften. Stir occasionally.

  3. Increase the heat, add the rice and toast it for a couple of minutes until it becomes slightly transparent, stirring constantly.

  4. Deglaze with a glass of white wine and let the alcohol evaporate.

  5. Bring the vegetable broth to a light boil in another saucepan.

  6. Begin to add the broth, a ladle at a time, waiting for the rice to absorb the liquid before adding the next. Stir regularly.

  7. Continue this process for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice reaches the desired consistency (al dente).

  8. At the end of cooking, remove the risotto from the heat and add the primo sale, cut into cubes or crumbled, adjusting for salt and pepper if necessary.

  9. Mix well to make the risotto creamy and let it rest for a couple of minutes.

  10. Serve the risotto garnished with fennel or dill fronds and, if liked, with a grating of black pepper.

Fun Facts

Fennel in the risotto offers a sweet and slightly anise-flavored taste, which pairs well with the creaminess of the primo sale cheese. This cheese is special because it is less aged and therefore has a very delicate taste that does not overpower the other ingredients. Fennel risotto is a great example of how Italian cuisine can enhance fresh seasonal ingredients in simple but flavor-rich dishes.