Details About the Delicious and Dramatic Black Risotto

Today, we’re going to dive into the flavorful world of Black Risotto, a dish with an intriguing history and fun facts. The recipe has its roots in Italy and is known for its eye-catching color, derived from squid or cuttlefish ink. Its unique hue isn’t the only attractive quality; this dish is a hearty combination of Arborio rice, seafood, and a few key ingredients cooked to perfection.

In the culinary realm, Black Risotto has made a name for itself worldwide. It has become a staple in many Mediterranean countries and even made a splash in the foodie scene in the United States where it's often prepared as an unconventional dinner option. It can be served hot and still holds a delightful charm when consumed cool. This versatile dish can be modified with a variety of ingredients, giving everyone the opportunity to customize their plate of Black Risotto to their liking.

Our Black Risotto integrates an array of elements that make your palate dance with joy. Starting with a base of Arborio rice and Selo Olive Oil, it is livened up with mixed seafood such as squid, cuttlefish, and prawns. With the unique addition of squid or cuttlefish ink, the dish takes on a dramatic black color and an interesting hint of brininess. The rice absorbs the flavors of the stock and wine, culminating in a balanced and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions about Black Risotto

Is it necessary to sauté the onions for the risotto?

This step will depend on personal preferences and the recipe used. In our Black Risotto recipe, the onions and garlic are sauteed in Selo Olive Oil until translucent to provide a base flavor to the dish. These softened aromatics give the risotto a hearty depth.

Why does black risotto turn out sticky?

Traditional risotto uses Arborio rice which is high in starch. This starch, when released during cooking, creates a natural creaminess in the risotto. However, it's important to stir the rice frequently and add one ladle of stock at a time to ensure a creamy texture rather than a sticky one.

Why is Black Risotto black?

The ebony hue of Black Risotto comes from the addition of squid or cuttlefish ink. This unique ingredient gives the risotto a distinctive coloration and also lends a slightly briny taste. If you can't source it, you could still make a flavorful seafood risotto; it just won't have the same black color or depth of flavor.

Can we substitute Arborio rice with any other rice?

Arborio rice is used in traditional risotto recipes due to its high starch content and ability to absorb liquids while still holding its form. Any substitution would need to be a short-grain rice variety that has similar characteristics.

We hope you enjoy this dive into the delightful world of Black Risotto. Garnished with fragrant parsley and using Selo Olive Oil, this recipe provides a refreshingly unique take on the classic dish, bringing all the goodness of Croatian cuisine into your kitchen. Enjoy!

Black Risotto

Selo Olive Oil

Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users

Category

Entree

Cuisine

Mediterranean

Servings

4

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

35 minutes

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Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups of Arborio rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of dry white wine
• 4 cups of seafood or vegetable stock

• 2 tablespoons of Selo Croatian olive oil

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• 1 cup of cuttlefish or squid ink (available at gourmet food stores or online)
• 1/2 pound of mixed seafood (such as squid, cuttlefish, and prawns), cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Directions

1. Prepare the Risotto: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until the onions are translucent.
2. Add the Arborio rice to the saucepan and stir well to coat the grains in the oil. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes until the edges of the rice become translucent.
3. Pour in the white wine and stir constantly until it is fully absorbed by the rice.
4. Start adding the stock, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until each ladle of stock has been almost completely absorbed before adding the next.
5. After about 15 minutes of cooking the rice, add the cuttlefish or squid ink to the risotto and mix well to distribute the ink evenly.
6. Continue adding the stock and stirring the risotto until the rice is al dente, about 18-20 minutes in total.
7. Cook the Seafood: While the risotto is cooking, heat a separate pan over medium-high heat with a bit of olive oil. Add the mixed seafood and sauté until it is just cooked through. Season with a bit of salt and pepper.
8. Combine and Serve: Once the risotto and seafood are both cooked, combine them by stirring the seafood into the risotto. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
9. Serve the Black Risotto immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Recipe Note

Squid ink gives this risotto its distinctive black color and a slightly salty, briny flavor. If you can't find it, you can still make a delicious seafood risotto without it, but it won't have the same color or depth of flavor.

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