Creamy Italian Seafood Risotto
This exquisite recipe for Creamy Italian Seafood Risotto draws inspiration from the culinary expertise of Marcella Hazan and has been perfected over the years for a delightful home-cooking experience. The rich flavors meld beautifully with the delicate seafood, making it a standout dish for special occasions or comforting family dinners. Choose from a variety of seafood, such as squid, shrimp, clams, and mussels, to suit your palate. Serve it as an elegant first course or a flavorful main dish. The creamy texture of Arborio rice paired with the ocean's bounty ensures that this risotto is both satisfying and memorable.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
small squid
1 lb (cleaned and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces)
shrimp
1 1/4 lbs (shelled and deveined)
olive oil
1/2 cup (for sautéing)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for finishing)
onion
1/2 (chopped fine)
garlic
1 tablespoon (chopped)
parsley
3 tablespoons (chopped and divided)
dry white wine
1/2 cup (for deglazing)
plum tomatoes
1 cup (peeled and chopped (canned or fresh))
water
2 quarts (for simmering)
Arborio rice
2 cups (for risotto)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste, freshly ground
ground cayenne pepper
optional
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the seafood: divide the cleaned shrimp into two equal portions. Mince or grind one portion and set it aside. Cut the remaining shrimp into larger pieces and set aside.
2
In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat 1/2 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3
Add 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley to the pot and mix well.
4
Incorporate the chopped squid and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns opaque and white.
5
Pour in the dry white wine and let it bubble for about a minute.
6
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Allow it to simmer gently for about 45 minutes, during which the oil will separate. Avoid adding salt at this stage to keep the squid tender. You can prepare this step ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to continue.
7
While the seafood mixture simmers, bring 2 quarts of water to a gentle simmer in a separate pot.
8
Stir in the Arborio rice into the seafood mixture over medium-high heat, ensuring each grain is well-coated with the sauce.
9
Begin adding the simmering water a ladleful at a time, stirring constantly to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Wait until the liquid is mostly absorbed before adding more water. Continue this process for about 15 minutes.
10
With 5 minutes remaining in the cooking time, add the ground shrimp, salt to taste, and freshly cracked black pepper.
11
Just before the rice reaches desired tenderness — creamy yet al dente — fold in the larger shrimp pieces and hot pepper, if using. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary.
12
To finish, remove the pot from heat, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the last of the chopped parsley. The risotto should have a creamy, slightly liquid consistency.
13
Serve the risotto in small portions, garnishing with extra parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Italian Seafood Risotto?
It is an exquisite dish featuring Arborio rice and a variety of seafood, drawing inspiration from culinary experts like Marcella Hazan.
Who inspired this specific risotto recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the culinary expertise of Marcella Hazan and has been perfected for home cooking.
What types of seafood can be used in this recipe?
You can use a variety of seafood including squid, shrimp, clams, and mussels to suit your preference.
How should the shrimp be prepared for the risotto?
The shrimp should be divided into two portions: one portion is minced or ground, while the other is cut into larger pieces.
What is the recommended preparation for the squid?
The squid should be cleaned and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces before cooking.
What type of rice is necessary for this dish?
Arborio rice is used to achieve the signature creamy texture required for an authentic Italian risotto.
How much olive oil is used for sautéing the base?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of olive oil to sauté the onions and garlic.
How long should the onions be sautéed?
The chopped onion should be sautéed over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes until translucent.
When should the garlic be added to the pot?
Add the garlic after the onions are translucent and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
How much parsley is used in total?
A total of 3 tablespoons of chopped parsley is used, divided between the cooking stages and the final garnish.
How long does the squid need to cook initially?
Cook the chopped squid for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns opaque and white.
What type of wine is used for the seafood base?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of dry white wine to be added after the squid.
Why should salt be avoided when simmering the squid?
Salt is omitted during the initial 45-minute simmer to ensure the squid remains tender.
How long does the tomato and seafood mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer gently for about 45 minutes until the oil separates.
Can I prepare the seafood base in advance?
Yes, the simmered tomato and squid mixture can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated.
How much water is needed to cook the rice?
You should bring 2 quarts of water to a gentle simmer in a separate pot for the rice.
How is the rice incorporated into the seafood mixture?
Stir the Arborio rice into the seafood mixture over medium-high heat until each grain is well-coated.
What is the correct way to add liquid to the risotto?
Add the simmering water a ladleful at a time, allowing it to be mostly absorbed before adding more.
Why is constant stirring important for risotto?
Stirring constantly ensures even cooking and prevents the rice grains from sticking to the pot.
How long does the rice take to cook once the water is added?
The process of adding water and stirring takes approximately 15 minutes.
When is the ground shrimp added to the dish?
The ground shrimp is added when there are only 5 minutes remaining in the rice's cooking time.
What seasonings are added with the ground shrimp?
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper are added to taste along with the ground shrimp.
What should the texture of the rice be when finished?
The rice should be creamy yet al dente, meaning it still has a slight bite.
When are the larger shrimp pieces added?
Fold in the larger shrimp pieces just before the rice reaches the desired tenderness.
Is the ground cayenne pepper a required ingredient?
No, the ground cayenne or hot pepper is optional for those who prefer a spicier dish.
How is the risotto finished after removing it from the heat?
Stir in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the remaining parsley to finish the dish.
What is the ideal final consistency of the risotto?
The risotto should have a creamy, slightly liquid consistency rather than being dry.
How should the dish be portioned for serving?
It is recommended to serve the risotto in small portions, especially if served as a first course.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use 1 cup of either canned or fresh peeled and chopped plum tomatoes.
Is this recipe suitable for a main course?
Absolutely, while it works as an elegant first course, its rich flavors make it a satisfying main dish.