Risotto with Tomatoes and Quartirolo Cheese

To prepare a delicious dish, we start with an essential step: boiling crushed tomatoes. In a small pot, we add the tomatoes, which we crush with a fork to release their natural juice. We add a small amount of salt, which will help enhance the flavor and eliminate excess water. We leave the pot on medium heat, making sure the tomatoes reduce well, until the mixture becomes a thick sauce. This process will take about 15-20 minutes, and the smell will be fragrant and appetizing.

Meanwhile, we take care of the vegetable broth, an essential ingredient to flavor the rice. In a pressure cooker, we add water and the necessary vegetables: finely chopped onion, a peeled carrot cut into rounds, and celery, which will add a special taste. Don’t forget to add salt to enhance the flavors. We let the broth boil for about 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. This broth will be the wet base for the rice, adding extra flavor.

In a large skillet, we put a little butter or oil to sauté the rice. Here, we add diced pancetta, which will provide a savory taste to the dish. We spread the rice in the pan and stir constantly until it becomes slightly transparent. This process is crucial, as it helps release the starch from the rice, making the dish creamy.

Once the rice has been sautéed, we begin to gradually add the hot broth, stirring continuously. It is important not to add all the broth at once, but gradually, to allow the rice to absorb the liquid and cook evenly. Throughout the process, we will notice how the rice becomes softer and creamier. When the rice is almost ready, we add the previously prepared tomato sauce. We mix well, ensuring that the sauce blends perfectly with the rice.

After we finish cooking, we let the dish cool for a few minutes. This step is important, as it allows the flavors to stabilize. On the plate, we serve the warm rice, adding thin slices or cubes of cheese on top, depending on everyone’s preferences. Cheese crumbs can perfectly complement this dish, bringing a note of creaminess and an intense flavor. The dish is now ready to be enjoyed, being a perfect combination of flavors and textures. Enjoy your meal!