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Melting Rice Timbale with Mozzarella and Sausage

17/11/2023

The Melting Rice Timbale with Mozzarella and Sausage is a rich and flavorful dish, perfect for a hearty dinner. Here’s the recipe with an Italian twist.

Ingredients

  • 300 g of Arborio or Carnaroli rice
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 sausage (about 150 g)
  • 200 g of mozzarella (fiordilatte is better)
  • 50 g of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 liter of vegetable broth
  • Butter as needed
  • Salt and pepper as needed
  • Breadcrumbs as needed
  • Chopped parsley (optional)

Preparation

  1. Start by toasting the rice: in a large saucepan, sauté the finely chopped onion in extra virgin olive oil until it becomes translucent. Add the rice and let it toast for a few minutes, until the grains are shiny.

  2. Add the vegetable broth a little at a time, stirring constantly. The rice should cook for about 18 minutes; it’s important that it remains al dente and the broth is completely absorbed.

  3. Meanwhile, remove the casing from the sausage, crumble it, and cook it in a non-stick pan without adding other fats until it is well browned.

  4. Once the rice is cooked, remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

  5. Cut the mozzarella into cubes and let it drain to eliminate excess liquid.

  6. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.

  7. Butter a baking dish and sprinkle it with breadcrumbs, shaking off the excess.

  8. Assemble the timbale: pour half of the risotto into the baking dish, distribute the sausage and diced mozzarella over it, then cover with the rest of the rice.

  9. Dust the surface with more Parmesan and a few flakes of butter.

  10. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the surface is golden brown and crispy.

  11. Let the timbale rest for a few minutes before serving. If you wish, you can sprinkle with some chopped parsley before bringing it to the table for a touch of color and freshness.

Curiosities

The timbale is a versatile dish that allows for many variations, for example, it can be enriched with vegetables such as spinach or pumpkin, or made more flavorful with mushrooms or peppers. The mozzarella makes the dish particularly stringy and tasty, a real pleasure for the palate.

Melting Rice Timbale with Mozzarella and Sausage