Risotto with Saffron

To prepare a delicious risotto, we start by gathering the necessary ingredients to ensure everything is at hand. You will need 300 grams of special risotto rice, such as Arborio or Carnaroli, 1 medium onion, 1 glass of dry white wine, 1 liter of vegetable broth or water, 50 grams of butter, 50 grams of grated Parmesan cheese, one clove of garlic, a sachet of saffron, a bay leaf, salt and pepper to taste.

We begin by melting half of the butter in a large pan or pot over medium heat. Once the butter has completely melted and started to foam, we add the finely chopped onion. We stir gently and let the onion sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes translucent, being careful not to burn it. At this point, we add the rice, stirring well to coat it evenly with the flavored butter. We toast the rice for a few minutes until it becomes lightly golden, at which point we add the white wine. We let the wine boil, stirring constantly, until it has evaporated almost completely.

After the wine has reduced, we start adding the warm broth or water, 100-150 ml at a time. It is important to stir constantly to allow the rice to absorb the liquid. We wait for the water to reduce almost completely before adding more, repeating this process until the rice is almost cooked but still has a slightly firm texture.

When the rice is nearly done, we dissolve the sachet of saffron in a few tablespoons of warm water and pour the mixture over the risotto. We also add the finely chopped garlic and the bay leaf, stirring well. We let the risotto simmer on low heat, stirring often, until the rice is perfectly cooked and creamy. If you notice that the risotto needs more liquid, feel free to add a little extra water or broth.

Before turning off the heat, we add the remaining butter to give it a special creaminess, and after we turn off the heat, we incorporate the grated Parmesan for an even more intense flavor. We stir well and adjust with salt and pepper to taste. Let the risotto rest for a few minutes before serving. This dish is not only a culinary delight but also a true feast for the senses. Enjoy!