Italian > Rice > Seafood Rice

Risotto con Cozze e Vongole Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1 pound mussels, scrubbed and debearded
- 1 pound clams, scrubbed
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring the broth to a simmer and keep it on low heat.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant.

3. Add the Arborio rice to the skillet and stir until the grains are coated with the oil and onion mixture.

4. Pour in the white wine and stir until it has been absorbed by the rice.

5. Add a ladleful of the hot broth to the skillet and stir until it has been absorbed by the rice. Continue adding the broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly and waiting until each addition has been absorbed before adding the next.

6. After about 10 minutes of adding broth, add the mussels and clams to the skillet. Cover the skillet and cook until the mussels and clams have opened, about 5-7 minutes.

7. Once the mussels and clams have opened, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

8. Continue adding broth to the skillet and stirring until the rice is cooked al dente, about 20-25 minutes.

9. Once the rice is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.

10. Serve the risotto in bowls, topped with the mussels and clams. Garnish with chopped parsley.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
Low heat for simmering the broth and medium heat for cooking the risotto.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4.

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 450
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Protein: 22g
Sodium: 900mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can substitute the mussels and clams for other seafood such as shrimp or scallops.
- You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this recipe vegetarian.

Variations:
- You can add diced tomatoes to the risotto for a burst of acidity.
- You can add saffron to the broth for a more complex flavor.
- You can add chopped pancetta or bacon to the onion and garlic mixture for a smoky flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to scrub the mussels and clams thoroughly before cooking.
- Discard any mussels or clams that do not open during cooking.
- Stir the risotto constantly to prevent it from sticking to the skillet.

Storage instructions:
Store any leftover risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat the risotto, add a splash of broth or water to a skillet and heat the risotto over medium heat until it is heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the risotto in bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.

Garnishes:
Chopped parsley

Pairings:
This risotto pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Suggested side dishes:
- A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing
- Garlic bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the risotto is too dry, add more broth or water.
- If the risotto is too wet, cook it for a few more minutes until the liquid has been absorbed.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to discard any mussels or clams that do not open during cooking.
- Store any leftover risotto in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.

Food history:
Risotto is a traditional Italian dish that originated in the northern region of Italy. It is typically made with Arborio rice and broth, and can be flavored with a variety of ingredients such as seafood, vegetables, or cheese.

Flavor profiles:
This risotto has a creamy texture and a savory flavor from the mussels and clams. The Parmesan cheese adds a nutty and salty flavor to the dish.

Serving suggestions:
Serve this risotto as a main course for a dinner party or a special occasion.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Rich, Creamy, Umami, Briny