Quick Risotto Milanese (Risotto Alla Milanese)

What is Risotto Milanese?

Risotto alla Milanese is a classic Italian dish that hails from Milan, rich in flavor and history. This delightful risotto gets its signature golden hue from saffron, one of the most precious spices in the world, which not only adds a vibrant color but also imparts a subtle earthy flavor that's truly unique. The dish is simple yet elegant, made with Arborio rice which is slowly cooked in a broth until it achieves a creamy consistency.

Traditionally, Risotto alla Milanese is served as a primo (first course), and it pairs beautifully with Osso Buco, a braised veal shank dish. The combination of the saffron risotto and the hearty meat is considered a staple in Milanese cuisine. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone dish or as part of a larger Italian feast, Risotto Milanese offers a delightful taste of Italian culinary tradition.

Why you’ll love this Risotto Milanese recipe

This classic Italian favorite is a perfect blend of rich, creamy texture and robust flavors that promise to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Milan.

1. Simple Ingredients, Stellar Results: With only a few high-quality ingredients, this DeLallo recipe transforms Arborio rice, saffron, and a splash of white wine into a luxurious dish that looks as stunning as it tastes.
2. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you're planning a romantic dinner for two or a cozy family gathering, Risotto Milanese adds a golden touch of sophistication that makes any meal special.
3. Versatile and Customizable: While impeccable on its own, this risotto serves as a fantastic base for a variety of additions. Top it with seared scallops, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or even a handful of fresh peas for a delightful twist.
4. An Authentic Taste of Italy: DeLallo’s commitment to authentic Italian cuisine shines through in this recipe. Each bite brings a taste of the rich culinary heritage of Italy right into your home, no passport required.

The ingredients you will need to make Risotto Milanese

• Quick Cook Risotto. Our Quick-Cook Cheese Risotto makes it easy to enjoy an authentic risotto experience in just 15 minutes. You can make risotto as simple or as complex as you like! Just add water!
• Saffron. Saffron has a delicate, floral, and earthy flavor. Saffron gives risotto alla Milanese its signature golden hue. The word "saffron" comes from Arabic and means "yellow".
• Chicken stock. You can sub vegetable stock if you don’t have chicken stock on hand.
• Butter. We use salted butter as it adds flavor to the rice.
• Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese. Use freshly shredded for the best flavor. Pre-grated parmesan just doesn’t taste as good or melt the same way.

How to make Risotto Milanese

1. Start by bringing 2 cups of broth to a boil.
2. Add the risotto and saffron, reduce heat and cover.
3. Stir for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add butter, parmesan cheese and parsley (optional) and stir to combine.

Top Tips

Storage

• Leftover risotto can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–5 days. If the risotto contains meat, it should only be kept in the fridge for up to three days. Seafood risotto should also only be stored for three days.
• Freezing risotto is generally not recommended because it can cause the rice to become hard and the risotto to become grainy.

Reheating

• Microwave - Put the risotto in a microwave-safe dish and add a small amount of liquid, like water or broth, to prevent it from drying out. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam. Microwave in 30-second to 1-minute bursts on medium to medium-high power, stirring in between each burst to distribute heat. Continue until the risotto is heated through but not overcooked. If the risotto is frozen, you can let it defrost first, then microwave it covered for 3–5 minutes, stir, and cook for another 5–7 minutes.
• Stove - Heat 2–3 tablespoons of water or low-sodium stock per cup of risotto in a pot over medium heat. Once the liquid reaches a comfortable temperature, stir in the risotto and reheat for 3–4 minutes, or until it's creamy. If the risotto needs to be looser, you can add more broth.

Substitutions and Additions

If you don’t have saffron on hand, Ground turmeric is a great substitute. Some other substitute options include annatto or safflower, but these ingredients are pretty tough to find.

Roasted shrimp is a great addition to this dish. It takes no more than a few minutes to cook. Just roast the shrimp before the risotto is done and then top each individual bowl with a handful of shrimp. Cooked sausage, fried eggs and ricotta cheese are all great additions.

What to serve with Risotto Milanese

Risotto pairs great with roasted meat, chicken and seafood dishes. Here are a few ideas:

Osso Buco: This is a classic Milanese dish to serve alongside Risotto Milanese. The tender, slow-cooked veal shanks and their savory juices add just the right richness to balance the creamy risotto.

Braised Beef: If you're looking for a heartier complement, braised beef is a fantastic choice. The deep, meaty flavors and meltingly tender texture pair perfectly with the delicate saffron notes of the risotto.

Grilled Seafood: Consider serving your Risotto Milanese with grilled shrimp or scallops. The smokiness and slight crispness of the seafood make it a refreshing counterpart.

Herb and Lemon Chicken: Chicken seasoned with herbs and a touch of lemon can be a light yet flavorful pairing for Risotto Milanese.

Risotto Milanese: FAQ

What is Risotto?

Risotto is a creamy and delicious Italian dish typically made by cooking a specific type of rice, usually Arborio, in broth until it reaches a rich, creamy consistency. Risotto begins by bringing out the starch of the rice, slowly as you stir it, helping to thicken the dish naturally. Cooks often add onions, garlic, and wine for foundational flavors, and the dish can be finished with a variety of ingredients like mushrooms, seafood, or vegetables. Parmesan cheese is often stirred in at the end for that beautiful, melty goodness. But our quick cook risotto makes it easier to make. Just add water or broth and you get the finished dish in just 15 minutes.

What is the significance of Risotto Milanese?

Risotto Milanese is not just a dish, it's a delightful journey into Italian culinary tradition, specifically from the heart of Lombardy's vibrant capital, Milan. This classic dish is said to have come about in the mid-1800s when a team of glassmakers took some of the saffron they were using to color the stained glass windows in Milan’s Duomo cathedral and added it to the risotto being served at dinner. This dish stands out for its simple yet rich flavors, centered around Arborio rice, a generous amount of saffron, and often a good helping of Parmesan cheese.

What makes this recipe so quick?

Our quick cook risotto! This product makes it easy to enjoy an authentic risotto experience in just 15 minutes. Our Quick-Cook Risotto is a boxed risotto made using a slow absorption cooking process, just like cooking at home from scratch. Rice is parboiled, and then simmered with flavorful broth until the liquid is absorbed. Grains are dried naturally for over 24 hours to capture the ideal flavor and texture. Just add water or broth.

What does Risotto Milanese taste like?

Risotto Milanese is a classic Italian dish that has a rich, creamy texture. The most distinctive ingredient here is saffron, which gives the risotto a beautiful golden color and a unique, slightly floral and earthy flavor. Pair that with the savory depth of a good chicken or vegetable stock, and each bite is a warm, creamy delight with just the right balance of richness and subtlety.

Can I make Risotto Milanese ahead of time?

Yes, you can. Cook your risotto until it's about 80% done, then spread it out on a baking sheet to cool quickly. This stops the cooking process and preserves that delightful al dente texture. When you're ready to serve, reheat the risotto gently, adding a bit of broth or water to bring back its iconic creamy consistency. Finish it off by stirring in a dollop of butter and Parmesan cheese for that final touch of richness.

Quick Risotto Milanese (Risotto Alla Milanese)

• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 (6.2-ounce) package DeLallo Quick Cook Cheese Risotto
• Pinch of saffron strands
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Parmesan cheese to top, optional
• Bunch fresh parsley, chopped, optional

Directions

1. Heat 2 cups of chicken stock in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
2. Stir in risotto and add saffron strands.
3. Stir and bring back to a boil. Reduce heat and cover.
4. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add butter and stir to combine
6. Serve and top with cheese and parsley (optional)

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