Risotto with Shrimp, Zucchini, and Zucchini Flowers

Risotto with shrimp, zucchini, and zucchini flowers is a dish full of flavors and colors, perfect for summer. I will provide you with a recipe as a guide to prepare this exquisite dish:

Ingredients

• 320 g of rice (Carnaroli or Arborio are excellent for risotto)
• 200 g of cleaned shrimp
• 2 medium zucchinis
• 8 zucchini flowers
• 1 shallot (or small white onion)
• As needed vegetable broth (about 1 liter)
• 100 ml of dry white wine
• Extra virgin olive oil as needed
• A knob of butter
• Salt and pepper as needed
• Chopped parsley for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Preparation

1. Clean the shrimp by removing the shell and intestine, then wash and dice the zucchini into small cubes and clean the zucchini flowers by removing the central pistil and cutting them into strips.
2. Finely chop the shallot and let it wilt in a saucepan with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, without browning it.
3. Add the shrimp to the saucepan and sauté briefly, then remove the shrimp and set them aside.
4. In the same saucepan, add and toast the rice until it becomes translucent, then deglaze with the white wine and let the alcohol evaporate.
5. Add the zucchini into the rice and begin to add the hot vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, waiting for the rice to absorb the liquid before adding the next. Maintain a gentle cooking, stirring frequently.
6. Halfway through cooking, incorporate the zucchini flowers into the rice.
7. A few minutes before the end of the cooking time, add the shrimp back to the risotto to warm them up and to flavor.
8. When the rice is cooked al dente, remove it from the heat and cream with a knob of butter and, if desired, some Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and, if you like, some raw zucchini flowers for a touch of freshness.

Trivia

Risotto is a dish that allows different variations and customizations; you can play with aromatic herbs, adding for example basil or mint for a summery touch, or use lemon (both juice and grated zest) for a citrus note that pairs perfectly with the flavor of the shrimp.

Enjoy your meal and have fun exploring this tasty dish!