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Vegetarian Sartù

17/11/2023

The rice Sartù is a dish from the Neapolitan culinary tradition that is very well suited to a vegetarian version. Here is how to prepare a Vegetarian Sartù:

Ingredients

  • 500 g of risotto rice (Arborio, Carnaroli, or Vialone Nano)
  • 50 g of butter
  • 150 g of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 eggs
  • 300 g of fresh or frozen peas
  • 200 g of mozzarella fiordilatte (or vegetarian alternative without animal rennet)
  • 500 ml of tomato puree or pulp
  • 1 small onion
  • 200 g of champignon mushrooms (or other mushrooms of your choice)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil to taste
  • Breadcrumbs as needed
  • A pinch of nutmeg
  • Fresh basil to taste (optional)
  • A glass of white wine (optional)

Preparation

  1. Start by preparing the rice: cook it in plenty of salted water for half of the time indicated on the package, then drain it and cool it under cold running water.

  2. In a bowl, season the rice with two beaten eggs, melted butter, grated Parmesan, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

  3. Prepare the vegetable ragout: in a large pan, fry the finely chopped onion in a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Add the sliced mushrooms and let them cook until they are golden. Add peas and, if desired, deglaze with a glass of white wine.

  4. Add the tomato puree, adjust the salt and cook for about 20 minutes on medium-low heat, until the sauce has reduced. Let it cool.

  5. Cut the mozzarella into cubes and dry it well to remove excess liquid.

  6. Butter and sprinkle a mold (can be a Bundt pan to have the classic “hole” in the center of the Sartù) with breadcrumbs.

  7. Take the rice and line the bottom and sides of the mold, making sure to leave a space in the center for the filling.

  8. Add the cooled vegetable ragout, diced mozzarella (and fresh basil if using), then cover with another layer of rice.

  9. Close the Sartù with more rice, press lightly to compact and level the surface.

  10. Bake the Sartù in a preheated oven at 200 °C for about 20-30 minutes, or until it is well browned on the surface.

  11. Let it rest for a few minutes before unmolding onto a serving plate.

The Vegetarian Rice Sartù is a very rich and tasty single dish, which can be enriched with other types of vegetables to taste, such as zucchini or eggplants previously sautéed in a pan.

Curiosity

The rice Sartù is a historic dish, named in honor of the French “surtouts,” elegant centerpieces that graced the tables of aristocrats during the Bourbon period. Over time, the recipe for the Sartù has been adapted into countless variants, including vegetarian ones.

Vegetarian Sartù