Italian > Risottos

Cotechino and Pea Risotto Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup cooked cotechino sausage, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Medium-sized skillet

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until translucent.

2. Add the Arborio rice to the pot and stir until the rice is coated with the oil and onion mixture.

3. Pour in the white wine and stir until the liquid is absorbed.

4. Begin adding the chicken or vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until the liquid is absorbed before adding the next ladle.

5. Continue adding broth and stirring until the rice is cooked al dente, about 20 minutes.

6. In a separate medium-sized skillet, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the diced cotechino sausage and sauté until browned.

7. Add the frozen peas to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

8. Add the cotechino and pea mixture to the pot of risotto and stir to combine.

9. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.

10. Serve hot.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 450
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 15g
Sodium: 950mg
Sugar: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Arborio rice can be substituted with any other short-grain rice.
- Chicken or vegetable broth can be substituted with water or stock.
- White wine can be substituted with chicken or vegetable broth.
- Frozen peas can be substituted with fresh or canned peas.
- Cotechino sausage can be substituted with any other cooked sausage.

Variations:
- Add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for added flavor.
- Substitute the cotechino sausage with cooked bacon or ham.
- Add diced carrots or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.

Tips and Tricks:
- Stir the risotto constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Use a wooden spoon to stir the risotto to prevent the rice from breaking.
- Add the broth one ladle at a time to ensure the rice cooks evenly.
- Use hot broth to speed up the cooking process.

Storage Instructions:
Leftover risotto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the risotto in a microwave-safe dish, covered with a damp paper towel, for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the risotto in individual bowls or on a large platter. Garnish with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese.

Garnishes:
Fresh herbs, grated Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil.

Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Roasted asparagus, garlic bread, or a Caesar salad.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the risotto is too dry, add more broth or water.
- If the risotto is too wet, cook for a few more minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
- If the rice is not cooked al dente, add more broth and continue cooking until the desired texture is achieved.

Food Safety Advice:
- Cook the cotechino sausage to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly to prevent bacterial growth.

Food History:
Risotto is a traditional Italian dish that originated in Northern Italy. It is made with Arborio rice, which is a short-grain rice that is high in starch, giving the dish its creamy texture.

Flavor Profiles:
Creamy, savory, and slightly sweet.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve hot as a main dish or as a side dish with your favorite protein.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Rich, Creamy, Earthy, Aromatic