If you are a fan of Italian cuisine, then you would love our recipe of 1 serving (56 g) Risotto Alla Milanese. This traditional Italian comfort food is known for its creamy texture and saffron spice that gives it an incredible flavor profile. Plus, it's easy to make and perfect for a chilly night in. And the best part? 190 calories per serving!

Before we dive into the recipe, let's take a look at the nutritional information. Each serving of Risotto Alla Milanese contains 190 calories, 4g fat, 35g carbs, and 4g protein. It also provides 8% of your daily iron intake and 15% of your daily calcium intake, making it a nutrient-dense dish as well.

In this article, we'll explore some variations of Risotto Alla Milanese, suggest serving options, and delve deeper into the history and popularity of this famous Italian dish. So, let's get started!

Ingredients

To make 1 serving of Risotto Alla Milanese, you will need the following ingredients: 1/4 cup arborio rice, 2 cups chicken broth, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp saffron threads, 1 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 small onion (finely chopped), and 1 garlic clove (minced). Note: You can replace chicken broth with vegetable broth if you want to make it vegetarian.

Preparation Instructions

To begin, take a small saucepan and heat chicken broth on low heat. In another skillet, add oil, butter, garlic, and onion, and fry until the onion is fragrant and translucent. Add the arborio rice and stir to combine. Cook for a minute or two until rice is slightly golden. Now it's time to add the chicken broth! Add a ladleful of hot broth to the rice mixture and keep stirring until it’s absorbed. Continue adding broth one ladleful at a time, stirring continuously, until the rice is cooked through but still slightly al dente. Remove the skillet from heat, add grated parmesan cheese and saffron threads, and stir well to combine. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for a minute before serving. Voila, your delicious Risotto Alla Milanese is ready to serve!

Flavor profile

One of the defining characteristics of Risotto Alla Milanese is its unique flavor profile, which is thanks to the saffron spice. This expensive spice has a floral and earthy taste that gives the dish a subtle but distinctive flavor. The saffron also gives the risotto its characteristic golden-yellow color, making it a feast for both the taste buds and the eyes. The creamy texture of the dish compliments the warm and hearty flavors of the broth and the saffron.

Traditional Italian cuisine

Risotto Alla Milanese originated in the Lombardy region of Italy during the Renaissance. It was first made to mark the occasion of the construction of the Duomo di Milano, the iconic cathedral in Milan. Over time, it became a popular dish in Italian cuisine, not just in Milan but all over Italy. To this day, Risotto is one of the most cherished dishes in Italy, and every region has its own variation. From seafood to asparagus, there is a risotto dish for every occasion and every palate.

Saffron spice

Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world, and for a good reason. It is harvested by hand from the crocus flower, and it takes over 200,000 flowers to produce just 1 pound of dry saffron threads. But the cost is well worth it when you consider the unique flavor and aroma that saffron brings to the dish, and it also has some health benefits. Saffron has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the risk of certain diseases.

Creamy texture

One of the things that make Risotto Alla Milanese so special is its creamy texture. To achieve this texture, you need to use arborio rice, which has a high starch content that releases slowly as it cooks, creating the signature creaminess of the dish. The stock that you use also has a significant impact on the texture of the dish. The key is to add the stock slowly, so the rice has enough time to absorb the liquid without becoming mushy or overcooked.

Comfort food

If you are looking for a warm, hearty, and comforting dish, then Risotto Alla Milanese is the perfect choice. It's warm, filling, and delicious, making it an ideal meal on a chilly day. Plus, it's easy to make with simple ingredients, so you don't have to worry about spending hours in the kitchen to prepare it. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, Risotto Alla Milanese is a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints. You can even make a large batch and store it in the fridge or freezer for later use.

Risotto variations

As mentioned earlier, Risotto is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste and preferences. Some popular variations include seafood risotto, mushroom risotto, asparagus risotto, and pumpkin risotto, to name a few. You can experiment with different flavors and ingredients until you find your perfect risotto recipe. However, it's essential to follow the basic principles of risotto making, such as using arborio rice, adding the stock gradually, and constantly stirring the rice for a creamy texture.

Serving suggestions

Risotto Alla Milanese is a hearty dish that can be served on its own or as a side dish. It pairs well with a variety of meats, including chicken, beef, and pork. You can also serve it with a simple salad or crusty bread to make a complete meal. When it comes to wine, a full-bodied red like Chianti or a white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay can complement the dish and enhance its flavors.

Nutritional information

Each serving of Risotto Alla Milanese contains 190 calories, 4g fat, 35g carbs, and 4g protein. It also provides 8% of your daily iron intake and 15% of your daily calcium intake. While it's not a low-calorie dish, you can make some modifications to reduce the calorie count, such as using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth or reducing the amount of cheese used.