Savory Rice Puddings

I can provide you with a recipe for making delicious savory rice puddings, which can be served as an appetizer or as an elegant side dish for an important meal. Here is how to make them:

Ingredients

• 300 g of Arborio or Carnaroli rice
• 1 liter of vegetable broth
• 100 g of grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 100 g of pancetta or diced cooked ham (optional)
• Butter as needed
• Salt and pepper as needed
• Grated nutmeg (optional)
• Bread crumbs
• Extra virgin olive oil

Preparation

1. Start by putting the rice in a large pot and pour the hot broth over it. Cook the rice following the cooking times stated on the package, making sure it remains al dente.
2. Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the rice cool down slightly.
3. Add to the rice the Parmesan, previously beaten eggs, salt, pepper, and, if you wish, a pinch of nutmeg. If you want to include pancetta or cooked ham, add it at this point.
4. Mix well until the mixture is homogenous.
5. Prepare the pudding molds by greasing them with butter and sprinkling them with breadcrumbs, then pour in the rice mixture, pressing it down lightly.
6. Preheat the oven to 180°C and then bake the savory rice puddings for about 20-25 minutes, until they are golden and crispy on the surface.
7. Let them rest for 5 minutes before unmolding the puddings from the molds.

Serve them hot, perhaps accompanied by a light tomato sauce or a cheese fondue.

Curiosity

Rice puddings are not just a traditional dessert, but in this savory version, they represent an original way of serving rice, a staple of Italian cuisine that lends itself to endless variations.