Creamy Smoked Salmon & Lemon Risotto
Indulge in the luxurious texture and vibrant flavors of this Creamy Smoked Salmon & Lemon Risotto. Each bite offers the perfect blend of creamy mascarpone and savory smoked salmon, enhanced with a hint of zesty lemon and fresh parsley. This dish transforms a classic Italian risotto into a gourmet experience, making it perfect for a sophisticated dinner or a special occasion.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 (finely chopped)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Arborio rice
12 ounces (none)
garlic clove
1 (finely chopped)
vegetable stock
6 cups (boiling)
smoked salmon
6 ounces (three-quarters chopped, remaining torn)
mascarpone
3.5 ounces (none)
flat leaf parsley
3 tablespoons (chopped)
lemon zest
1 tablespoon (plus lemon wedges to serve)
Instructions
1
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
2
Stir in the Arborio rice and finely chopped garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes while stirring continuously to ensure every grain of rice is well-coated in oil.
3
Gradually add a third of the boiling vegetable stock to the rice mixture, stirring gently. Set a timer for 20 minutes and allow the rice to simmer, stirring occasionally until the stock is absorbed.
4
Add half of the remaining stock to the pan, stirring more frequently, and continue to simmer until the stock is absorbed and the rice is plump.
5
Pour in the last of the stock, stir once more, and let the mixture simmer until the risotto is creamy and the rice is tender but al dente.
6
Remove the pan from heat and fold in the chopped smoked salmon, mascarpone, chopped parsley, and lemon zest. Stir until the mascarpone melts and evenly coats the rice.
7
Season the risotto with freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, keeping in mind that the smoked salmon will add saltiness to the dish.
8
Allow the risotto to sit for 5 minutes to settle. Serve garnished with the reserved smoked salmon, torn into pieces, and accompanied by lemon wedges for an extra citrus kick.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Smoked Salmon & Lemon Risotto?
It is a luxurious Italian-inspired dish that combines creamy Arborio rice with savory smoked salmon, mascarpone, and a hint of zesty lemon.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of rice is used in this recipe?
Arborio rice is used to achieve the signature creamy texture of a classic risotto.
How much smoked salmon is required?
You will need 6 ounces of smoked salmon in total.
How should the smoked salmon be prepared?
Three-quarters of the salmon should be finely chopped to fold into the risotto, while the remaining quarter is torn for garnish.
What kind of stock should I use?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of boiling vegetable stock.
How much mascarpone is needed for the creaminess?
You should use 3.5 ounces of mascarpone cheese.
What provides the citrus flavor in this dish?
The flavor comes from 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and additional lemon wedges served on the side.
How do I prepare the onion?
One onion should be finely chopped and sautéed in olive oil.
How long should I sauté the onion?
Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
When should the garlic be added?
Add one finely chopped garlic clove after the onions are translucent, along with the Arborio rice.
What is the first step in cooking the rice?
Stir the rice and garlic for 2 minutes to ensure every grain is well-coated in oil.
How should the vegetable stock be added?
The stock should be added gradually in three stages, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid after each addition.
How long is the initial simmering process?
After the first addition of stock, set a timer for 20 minutes and simmer, stirring occasionally.
What is the desired texture of the cooked rice?
The risotto is ready when it is creamy and the rice is tender but still al dente.
When do I add the mascarpone and salmon?
Remove the pan from the heat before folding in the chopped smoked salmon, mascarpone, parsley, and lemon zest.
What type of parsley is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies 3 tablespoons of chopped flat leaf parsley.
How do I season the risotto?
Season the dish with freshly ground black pepper and adjust other seasonings after tasting.
Should I add a lot of salt to this dish?
Be cautious with salt because the smoked salmon already adds a significant amount of saltiness to the risotto.
Is there a resting period for the risotto?
Yes, allow the risotto to sit for 5 minutes to settle before serving.
How should the final dish be garnished?
Garnish with the reserved torn pieces of smoked salmon and serve with lemon wedges.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing.
What category of food is this?
This dish is categorized as an Italian risotto and a seafood gourmet meal.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its luxurious texture and sophisticated flavors make it perfect for dinner parties or special events.
Can I use cold stock for the rice?
No, the stock must be boiling to ensure the cooking process isn't interrupted when added to the rice.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients in this recipe.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Associated tags include seafood, comfort food, Italian, gourmet, and creamy.
What if the stock isn't fully absorbed after the timer?
Continue to simmer and stir more frequently as you add the remaining stock until the desired creaminess is reached.
Does the recipe use butter?
No, the creaminess comes primarily from the starch in the Arborio rice and the addition of mascarpone.
What is the role of lemon zest in the final step?
It provides a fresh, citrus kick that balances the richness of the salmon and mascarpone.