Discover the rich, elegant, and exquisite flavors of saffron with our Easy Saffron Risotto recipe! This delightful dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or even a romantic meal for two. Bursting with vibrant colors and enticing aromas, this risotto recipe is incredibly simple to make and sure to impress your family and friends.
Step By Step Instructions
In a saucepan, heat 5 cups of chicken stock until it simmers. Add 1 pinch of saffron threads, watching as they release their beautiful golden color, infusing the stock with their luxurious flavor. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a separate shallow pan over medium heat. Add 2 finely chopped shallots and 2 finely chopped stalks of celery, cooking until they become soft but not browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in 2 chopped garlic cloves and let the flavors meld for another minute. Add 2 cups of risotto rice to the pan with the vegetables, stirring to coat each grain with the butter. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, letting the grains toast slightly without browning, creating a nutty aroma. Raise the heat to high and pour in 1 cup of dry white wine. Watch as it sizzles and gets absorbed by the rice, adding depth and complexity to the dish. Stir in 4 cups of the saffron-infused stock, 1 tablespoon of grated lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it cook for 15-18 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. Check after 15 minutes to make sure no additional stock is needed. If the risotto looks dry, add some of the remaining stock. Mix in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of chopped flat-leaf parsley. Taste for seasoning and add salt as needed before serving your masterpiece.
Mushrooms: Add Sauteed Mushrooms for an earthy flavor and extra texture. Seafood: Top with Garlic Butter Shrimp or Broiled Scallops for a seafood twist that pairs perfectly with the saffron. Chicken: Mix in 1 cup of cooked, diced chicken for a heartier, protein-packed dish. Roasted Vegetables: Mix in a cup of your favorite roasted vegetables, like roasted asparagus or broccoli, for added color and nutrients.
Erren’s Kitchen is written and produced for informational intentions only. We are not certified nutritionists, and the nutritional information found on this site has not been assessed or authorized by a nutritionist or the FDA. The nutritional information found in our recipes is offered as an estimate and should not be considered a guarantee or fact. The estimated data is provided as a courtesy and calculated through a third-party online nutritional calculator, spoonacular API. Although we do our best to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered rough estimates. Many factors, such as brands or products purchased and the nutritional fluctuations that naturally occur in fresh produce, can alter the effectiveness of the nutritional information in any recipe. Furthermore, various online calculators provide different results depending on their particular algorithms and nutrition fact sources. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
