Exquisite Comfort: Mediterranean Risotto with Black Olives and Saffron 🍚🌿 - Wednesday, Week 35

The rich aroma of saffron combined with the bold flavor of black olives makes this risotto a luxurious Mediterranean delight. Perfect for when you want to treat yourself to something indulgent yet comforting, this dish is sure to be a hit at any dinner table.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• Arborio Rice: 300g
• Black Olives (pitted and chopped): 150g
• White Onion: 1, finely chopped
• Garlic Cloves: 2, minced
• Dry White Wine: 120ml
• Vegetable Broth: 1L, kept warm
• Saffron Threads: A pinch, soaked in 2 tablespoons of hot water
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 60ml
• Parmesan Cheese (grated): 100g
• Unsalted Butter: 50g
• Parsley (freshly chopped): For garnish
• Salt: To taste
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground, to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Base: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute.
2. Add the Rice: Pour in the Arborio rice and stir, ensuring each grain is well-coated with the oil. Toast the rice lightly until it becomes translucent around the edges.
3. Deglaze with Wine: Add the dry white wine to the pan and stir until it's mostly absorbed by the rice.
4. Begin the Risotto Process: Start adding the warm vegetable broth one ladle at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next. This process helps release the starch from the rice, giving the risotto its characteristic creamy texture.
5. Infuse with Saffron: Halfway through the cooking process, add the saffron along with its soaking water. Continue the process of adding broth and stirring.
6. Finish the Dish: Once the rice is creamy and cooked to an 'al dente' texture, stir in the chopped black olives, butter, and half of the grated parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve: Transfer the risotto to serving plates, garnishing with the remaining parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley.

Wine Pairing:

For this flavorful risotto, consider a Verdicchio or Soave. Their crisp and refreshing profiles balance the richness of the dish, enhancing the Mediterranean flavors.

Raise a glass to the beauty of Mediterranean cuisine! 🍷🍚