Adriatic Fisherman’s Risotto with Seafood Medley
Dive into the rich culinary heritage of the Dalmatian coast with this exquisite Adriatic Fisherman’s Risotto. This dish is a celebration of the sea, combining the freshest seafood with creamy Arborio rice simmered in a luscious tomato sauce infused with white wine and aromatic spices. Perfectly balanced and packed with flavors, this risotto not only satisfies the palate but also evokes the essence of the Adriatic Sea. A delightful meal that brings a taste of Croatia to your kitchen, each bite is a warm embrace that transports you to sun-soaked shores.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Arborio rice
400 g (uncooked)
Shrimp
250 g (peeled, tails on)
Squid
250 g (cut into rings or pieces)
Mussels
100 g (cooked, meat only)
Tomato juice
300 g (strained)
White wine
1 cup (dry wine)
Water
2 cups (hot)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (extra virgin)
Garlic
5 g (finely minced, or 1 clove)
Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
Hard cheese (parmesan or similar)
20 g (cubed)
Parmesan cheese
40 g (grated, for serving)
Instructions
1
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pan over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but not browned.
2
Add the shrimp, squid, and mussels to the pan, cooking for about 3 minutes until the seafood is just opaque. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
3
Stir in the Arborio rice, ensuring each grain is coated with the olive oil. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, then pour in the white wine, stirring until it cooks off and the alcohol evaporates.
4
Add the strained tomato juice, along with salt, pepper, oregano, and water. Stir everything together, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5
Cook the risotto uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on the liquid levels and add more hot water if necessary to keep the rice creamy.
6
Just before the risotto reaches your desired consistency, stir in the hard cheese to melt it into the dish, enhancing its creaminess.
7
Once cooked, ladle the risotto into bowls, garnishing generously with grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, savoring the rich, creamy texture that reminds you of the Adriatic Sea during a strong ‘jugo’ wind.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Adriatic Fisherman’s Risotto?
It is a traditional seafood risotto from the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, featuring a medley of seafood in a creamy tomato-based sauce.
What type of rice should I use for this recipe?
Arborio rice is recommended for its high starch content, which creates the essential creamy texture of a classic risotto.
What seafood is included in the medley?
The recipe calls for a combination of shrimp, squid rings or pieces, and cooked mussel meat.
How should the shrimp be prepared?
You should use 250 grams of peeled shrimp with the tails left on.
Is the mussel meat raw or cooked?
This recipe uses 100 grams of pre-cooked mussel meat.
Why do I need to toast the rice?
Toasting the rice for two minutes in olive oil helps the grains maintain their integrity and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
What kind of wine is best for this risotto?
A dry white wine is ideal for deglazing the pan and adding acidity to balance the seafood flavors.
Do I need to cook off the wine?
Yes, you should stir the rice with the wine until the alcohol evaporates before adding other liquids.
What provides the sauce base for the risotto?
The base is made from 300 grams of strained tomato juice combined with white wine and water.
Does the water added to the rice need to be hot?
Yes, using hot water is crucial to maintain a consistent cooking temperature for the rice.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe uses 5 grams of finely minced garlic, which is approximately one large clove.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with dried oregano, along with salt and pepper.
How long does the risotto need to simmer?
After adding the liquids, the risotto should cook uncovered for about 15 minutes.
Why must I stir the risotto occasionally?
Stirring helps release the starch from the rice, creating the signature creamy consistency of the dish.
What if the rice is still hard after 15 minutes?
You can add more hot water and continue cooking until the rice reaches your desired tenderness.
What types of cheese are used?
The recipe uses cubed hard cheese to melt into the dish and grated parmesan for garnishing.
When should I add the cubed hard cheese?
Stir in the cubed cheese just before the risotto finishes cooking so it melts and enhances the creaminess.
How should I serve this dish?
Ladle the hot risotto into bowls and garnish generously with grated parmesan cheese.
Is this a Mediterranean dish?
Yes, it is a Mediterranean recipe rooted in the culinary traditions of the Adriatic Sea.
Can I use extra virgin olive oil?
Yes, the recipe specifies using three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for sautéing.
What is the texture of the squid?
The squid should be cooked briefly until opaque to ensure it remains tender and not rubbery.
Can I substitute the tomato juice?
While tomato juice is traditional for this specific red risotto, you could use a light tomato purée if necessary.
How many grams of rice are needed?
The recipe requires 400 grams of uncooked Arborio rice.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is categorized as a comfort food due to its rich, creamy texture and hearty seafood components.
What is 'jugo' mentioned in the description?
Jugo is a strong southeast wind in the Adriatic; the dish's warmth is said to be a perfect comfort during such weather.
How much parmesan is needed for serving?
The recipe suggests 40 grams of grated parmesan for the final garnish.
Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, frozen seafood can be used, but ensure it is properly thawed and drained before cooking.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, the entire dish is prepared in a single large, deep pan.
How much oregano should be added?
Add 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano to the mixture.
Is the risotto cooked with a lid?
No, the instructions state to cook the risotto uncovered to allow for stirring and liquid monitoring.