Gluten-Free Risotto alla Milanese (Saffron Risotto)
Why this recipe works
- Classic risotto method: Adding hot stock gradually helps the rice release starch, creating a creamy texture without cream.
- Saffron-infused stock: Infusing the saffron directly into the warm stock spreads its colour and aroma evenly through the rice.
- Glossy finish: Butter and Parmesan are stirred in off the heat, giving the risotto a rich, flowing consistency.
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Timing notes
- Serve immediately: Risotto alla Milanese is at its best as soon as it is finished, while it is still loose, silky and flowing.
- Keep the stock ready: The active cooking is straightforward, but the stock should stay hot before you begin adding it to the rice.
Ingredient notes
- Use risotto rice: Arborio rice has enough starch to create the creamy texture expected in risotto while keeping a slight bite.
- Saffron matters: Dried saffron threads provide the distinctive golden colour and gentle floral aroma of this Milanese-style risotto.
- Finish with good cheese: Parmesan brings savoury depth and helps the final texture become glossy rather than flat.
Common mistakes
- Letting it sit too long: Risotto thickens as it stands, so avoid finishing it far ahead of serving.
- Cooking too aggressively: A steady medium heat keeps the rice bubbling gently; boiling too hard can make the outside soften before the centre is ready.
- Adding too much stock at once: Add stock gradually so the rice can absorb it evenly and release starch into the sauce.
Make-ahead tips
- Reheat gently: Leftovers can be loosened in a saucepan with a little stock, stirring until piping hot and creamy again.
- Prepare before cooking: Chop the onion, grate the cheese and have the stock ready before starting, as risotto needs attention once the rice goes in.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour the chicken stock into a saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over a low heat. Stir in the saffron, then keep the stock hot while you cook the risotto.
- Finely chop the onion. Heat the olive oil with 30 g of the butter in a large pot over a medium heat, then cook the onion for 6 to 8 minutes until soft and translucent, without colouring.
- Add the arborio rice and stir for 1 to 2 minutes until the grains look slightly translucent at the edges. Stir in the fine sea salt.
- Pour in the wine and stir until it has almost completely evaporated. Keep the heat at a steady medium so the rice bubbles gently.
- Add a ladleful of hot saffron stock and stir until it is mostly absorbed, then repeat, adding stock a ladle at a time. Continue for 18 to 22 minutes, stirring often, until the rice is al dente and the risotto is loose and flowing.
- Take the pot off the heat and stir in the remaining 30 g butter and the Parmesan until glossy and creamy. Taste and adjust with a little more fine sea salt if needed, then serve straight away.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Keep the stock at a gentle simmer throughout; adding cold stock slows cooking and can make the texture uneven.
- For the classic loose finish, stop cooking when the rice is just tender and the risotto still spreads slightly when spooned onto a plate.
Substitutions
- Replace Dry White Wine with the same amount of Chicken stock for an alcohol-free version.
- Replace Parmesan with the same amount of Grana Padano cheese for a slightly milder finish.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Cool quickly, cover and refrigerate. Reheat gently in a saucepan with a splash of chicken stock, stirring until piping hot and loosened to a creamy consistency.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 45min (35min active)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: Italian
-
Allergens:
Milk
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