Description
Culinary magic happens when Italian prawn risotto dances with creamy Arborio rice and succulent seafood. Rich coastal flavors merge seamlessly, promising you a Mediterranean escape on a single plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood Base:
- 1 lb (500g) prawns, peeled and deveined
Grains and Rice:
- 1 1/4 cups (250g) arborio rice
Primary Flavor Ingredients:
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup (125 milliliters) dry white wine
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken stock, warmed
- 1/4 cup (60 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing onions until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and allow aromatics to develop for an additional minute.
- Incorporate arborio rice, carefully coating each grain with oil, toasting for 1-2 minutes until edges become slightly transparent and emit a nutty fragrance.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine, stirring constantly until liquid reduces and rice absorbs the delicate wine essence.
- Progressively introduce warm chicken stock, one ladle at a time, stirring methodically and allowing rice to absorb liquid before adding subsequent portions. Maintain this rhythm for 18-20 minutes, monitoring rice’s texture to achieve a creamy consistency with a gentle resistance when bitten.
- Simultaneously, prepare prawns in a separate skillet, melting butter over medium-high heat. Sear prawns for 2-3 minutes per side, seasoning with salt and pepper until they transform into a vibrant pink hue and reach perfect doneness.
- Finalize risotto by folding in Parmesan cheese, bright lemon zest, and optional heavy cream. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
- Gently integrate cooked prawns and freshly chopped parsley into the risotto. Plate immediately, garnishing with additional lemon zest and parsley sprigs for a sophisticated presentation.
Notes
- Choose high-quality arborio rice for creamy, authentic risotto texture that absorbs liquid perfectly.
- Always warm the chicken stock before adding to rice to maintain consistent cooking temperature and prevent rice from becoming tough.
- Stir risotto constantly but gently to release rice starches, creating that signature smooth and luxurious consistency without breaking grains.
- For gluten-free version, replace regular chicken stock with gluten-free alternative and ensure Parmesan cheese is certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg