Risotto al Limone e Gamberi (Lemon and Prawn Risotto)
Why this recipe works
- Creamy, flowing texture: Adding hot stock gradually encourages the rice to release starch, giving the risotto its classic glossy consistency.
- Bright but rich: Lemon zest and juice cut through the butter and Parmesan, keeping the finished dish fresh rather than heavy.
- Proper risotto finish: Stirring in butter and cheese off the heat creates a smooth final emulsion without overcooking the rice or prawns.
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Timing notes
- Serve straight away: Risotto thickens as it sits, so bring it to the table while it is still loose, creamy and spoonable.
- Keep stock ready: Have the stock hot before the rice goes in; steady heat helps the grains cook evenly and keeps the texture creamy.
Texture tips
- Aim for a loose finish: If the risotto tightens before serving, stir in a little hot stock until it flows gently from the spoon.
- Protect the prawns: Add the prawns near the end and cook only until pink and opaque so they stay tender.
Ingredient notes
- Use risotto rice: Arborio rice has the starch needed for a creamy risotto; long-grain rice will not give the same texture.
- Choose unwaxed lemon: Because the zest is used, an unwaxed lemon gives cleaner citrus flavour without a coated surface.
- Season after Parmesan: Parmesan adds saltiness, so taste at the end before adding any extra seasoning.
Ingredient swaps
- Without white wine: Use extra hot vegetable stock in place of the wine for an alcohol-free version while keeping the cooking method the same.
- Vegetarian-style cheese option: A vegetarian hard cheese can replace Parmesan for a similar savoury, nutty finish.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour the vegetable stock into a saucepan and keep it at a gentle simmer over low heat. This makes it easier for the rice to cook evenly and turn creamy.
- Finely chop the onion. Heat the olive oil with half the butter in a large frying pan over medium-low heat, then cook the onion for 6 to 8 minutes until soft and translucent, not browned.
- Stir in the arborio rice and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the grains look slightly translucent at the edges. Pour in the wine and stir until it has almost completely evaporated.
- Add a ladleful of hot stock and stir until it is absorbed, then keep adding stock a ladle at a time, stirring often. Continue for 16 to 18 minutes until the rice is tender with a slight bite and the risotto is loose and creamy; you may not need every drop of stock.
- Stir in the prawns and cook for 2 to 4 minutes until pink and just cooked through. Finely grate the lemon zest, then squeeze in the juice, stirring and tasting as you go.
- Take the pan off the heat and stir in the remaining butter and the parmesan until glossy and creamy. Rest for 1 minute, then serve straight away while it is still flowing.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Keep the stock hot and add it gradually; cold stock slows cooking and makes the texture less creamy.
- Aim for a loose, spoonable finish: if it thickens too much before serving, stir in a splash of hot stock to loosen it.
- If serving anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, make sure the prawns are cooked through and piping hot.
Substitutions
- Replace Dry White Wine with the same amount of Vegetable stock for an alcohol-free version.
- Replace Parmesan with a vegetarian hard cheese for a similar salty, nutty finish.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Cool quickly, cover and refrigerate. Reheat gently in a frying pan with a splash of vegetable stock, stirring until piping hot; avoid overcooking the prawns.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 2 servings
- Total time: 40min (40min active)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: Italian
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Allergens:
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