Description
This Squash Blossom Risotto is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender Arborio rice cooked slowly with vegetable or chicken broth, fresh squash blossoms, white wine, garlic, and onion, finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Perfectly balanced and comforting, this risotto is an impressive and delightful recipe to try for a special meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 5 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh squash blossoms, cleaned and sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Broth: In a saucepan, heat the vegetable or chicken broth and keep it warm over low heat throughout the cooking process.
- Sauté Onion: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, being careful not to let it burn.
- Toast Rice: Add Arborio rice to the skillet, stirring to coat all grains with oil and butter. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes until edges become slightly translucent.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry white wine and stir until the liquid has mostly evaporated, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Broth Gradually: Ladle warm broth into the rice mixture one spoonful at a time, stirring constantly. Wait for each addition to be mostly absorbed before adding more, continuing for approximately 20 minutes until rice is creamy and al dente.
- Incorporate Squash Blossoms: With the final ladle of broth, fold in sliced squash blossoms and cook for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Finish with Parmesan: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from heat and let the risotto rest for a couple of minutes. Serve immediately garnished with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch.
Notes
- Keep the broth warm throughout to help the rice cook evenly.
- Stirring constantly is key to achieve a creamy texture and prevent sticking.
- Use fresh squash blossoms for the best flavor and delicate texture.
- Adjust seasoning after adding Parmesan cheese, as it can add saltiness.
- You can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or chicken broth for richer flavor.
