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Salmon Risotto

17/11/2023

Salmon risotto is a rich and flavorful dish that combines the delicate taste of rice with the creaminess of salmon, often enriched with a touch of vodka or white wine and cream. Here’s a variant with an Italian twist for you.

Ingredients

  • 320 grams of Carnaroli or Arborio rice (ideal for a good risotto)
  • 200 grams of smoked salmon
  • 1 small shallot
  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ glass of dry white wine
  • About 1 liter of hot vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh cream (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A sprig of fresh dill (optional)
  • Butter to taste for creaming
  • Grated Parmesan cheese to taste

Preparation

  1. Start by finely chopping the shallot and sauté it in a saucepan with extra virgin olive oil until it becomes translucent.
  2. Add the rice and toast it for a few minutes until the grains become shiny and see-through. This step is essential to seal the starch inside the grain and allow for even cooking.
  3. Deglaze with the white wine and let the alcohol evaporate over high heat.
  4. Add a ladle of hot vegetable broth and stir. As soon as the broth is absorbed, add another ladle, and continue like this until the rice is cooked (about 18 minutes or follow the instructions on the rice package).
  5. While the rice is cooking, cut the smoked salmon into strips.
  6. A few minutes before the end of cooking, add the salmon to the rice and stir gently.
  7. If you want a creamier consistency, you can incorporate the fresh cream and cream with a bit of butter and grated Parmesan cheese.
  8. Season with salt and pepper and, if you like, add some chopped fresh dill.
  9. Let the risotto rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

If you have fresh salmon instead of smoked, you can briefly cook it before adding it to the risotto, just browning it with a drizzle of oil in a pan.

Interesting Facts

Risotto is a typical preparation of Northern Italy and each region has its own variants using local ingredients. Salmon risotto, although not traditional, has earned a place among the beloved variations for its creaminess and contrast of flavors. Some versions include the addition of asparagus pieces for a spring touch.

Salmon Risotto