Savory Ramp & Sausage Risotto
Experience the delightful fusion of flavors in this Savory Ramp & Sausage Risotto. This dish combines the earthy, onion-like notes of ramps with the spiciness of hot Italian sausage, all enveloped in creamy Arborio rice. Perfectly cooked and finished with fresh parmesan cheese, this risotto is a comforting dish that showcases seasonal ingredients while being easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Elevate your dining with this hearty, satisfying meal that is sure to impress family and friends alike.
N/A
Servings
180
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2 (tablespoons)
hot Italian sausage
1/2 (lb, casings removed)
ramps
12 (trimmed, bulbs and slender stems sliced, green tops thinly sliced)
arborio rice
1 (cup)
dry vermouth
1/2 (cup)
reduced-sodium chicken broth
3 (cups, may need more)
parmesan cheese
1/2 (cup, freshly grated (plus additional for passing))
Instructions
1
In a heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, approximately 5 minutes.
2
Stir in the sliced ramp bulbs and stems, sautéing them for about 2 minutes until they are almost tender.
3
Add the Arborio rice to the pan, stirring continuously for about 1 minute until the rice is lightly toasted and coated with the buttery mixture.
4
Pour in the dry vermouth, allowing it to simmer until it is mostly absorbed, around 1 minute.
5
Gradually begin adding the chicken broth to the rice, one cup at a time. Allow each addition to simmer and nearly absorb before adding the next, stirring frequently. This process should take about 18 minutes, and you may need to adjust with more broth if the risotto appears dry.
6
Once the rice is just tender and the risotto has reached a creamy consistency, gently fold in the green tops of the ramps and the grated parmesan cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
7
Serve immediately, garnishing with additional grated parmesan cheese for passing.
Nutrition Information
8.5g
Fat
22g
Carbs
7g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Ramp & Sausage Risotto?
It is a creamy Italian rice dish made with Arborio rice, earthy ramps, and flavorful hot Italian sausage.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include butter, hot Italian sausage, ramps, Arborio rice, dry vermouth, chicken broth, and parmesan cheese.
How do I prepare the ramps for the risotto?
Trim the ramps, slice the bulbs and slender stems for sautéing, and thinly slice the green tops to be folded in at the end.
Can I use sweet Italian sausage instead of hot?
Yes, you can substitute hot Italian sausage with sweet or mild Italian sausage if you prefer less heat.
What type of rice is best for this dish?
Arborio rice is recommended because its high starch content creates the signature creamy texture of a proper risotto.
Why do I need to add chicken broth gradually?
Adding broth one cup at a time and stirring frequently allows the rice to release its starch slowly, resulting in a creamy consistency.
Can I substitute the dry vermouth?
Yes, you can use a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, or simply use more chicken broth with a squeeze of lemon juice.
How long does it take to cook the risotto?
The process of adding broth and stirring takes approximately 18 minutes once the rice has been toasted.
Why is the rice toasted before adding liquid?
Toasting the rice for about a minute helps the grains develop a nutty flavor and ensures they maintain their structure during the long cooking process.
When should I add the green tops of the ramps?
The green tops should be folded in at the very end of cooking, along with the parmesan cheese, to keep them fresh and vibrant.
Is this Savory Ramp & Sausage Risotto gluten-free?
The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you ensure that your Italian sausage and chicken broth are certified gluten-free.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 180 calories per serving of this risotto.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What can I use if I do not have parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are excellent substitutes for parmesan cheese in this recipe.
How do I know when the risotto is finished cooking?
The risotto is done when the rice is tender with a slight bite (al dente) and the overall texture is thick and creamy.
What can I use if ramps are out of season?
You can substitute ramps with a combination of leeks and minced garlic to achieve a similar flavor profile.
How much butter is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of butter.
Should the chicken broth be warm when added?
While the recipe doesn't specify, using warm broth helps maintain a consistent cooking temperature for the rice.
What does the dry vermouth add to the dish?
Dry vermouth adds a layer of acidity and botanical complexity that balances the richness of the sausage and butter.
Can I use brown rice instead of Arborio?
Brown rice is not recommended for traditional risotto as it does not release enough starch to create the necessary creamy texture.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can this risotto be frozen?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the rice can become grainy and the creaminess may break upon thawing.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 7 grams of protein.
Does this dish contain much fiber?
There is approximately 1 gram of fiber per serving.
What is the best way to clean ramps?
Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to remove dirt from the bulbs and leaves, then pat them dry.
What size pan should I use?
A heavy-bottomed saucepan or a Dutch oven is best for even heat distribution while stirring.
Can I add other vegetables to this risotto?
Yes, peas or sautéed mushrooms would complement the flavors of the ramps and sausage beautifully.
Is the sausage cooked before adding the rice?
Yes, the sausage is browned and cooked through for about 5 minutes before the rice is added to the pan.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 primary ingredients used in this Savory Ramp & Sausage Risotto.
How should I garnish the risotto?
Serve the dish immediately with additional freshly grated parmesan cheese on top.