Shrimp and saffron risotto is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It’s full of flavor, easy to make, and can be customized to your taste.
This recipe combines creamy Arborio rice with succulent shrimp and the subtle flavor of saffron to create a dish that is both luxurious and comforting.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the chicken stock in a saucepan and keep it warm over low heat.
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
- Add the rice to the saucepan and stir until well coated in the oil and butter.
- Add the white wine and stir until it has been absorbed by the rice, about 2 minutes.
- Crush the saffron threads and add them to the rice, stirring well.
- Add 1/2 cup of the warm chicken stock to the rice and stir until it has been absorbed.
- Continue adding chicken stock to the rice, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until the rice is cooked through and creamy, about 20 minutes.
- When the rice is almost done, add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the shrimp and saffron risotto hot with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley, if desired.
Customizations
Shrimp and saffron risotto is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Here are a few ideas:.
- Add diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a pop of color and flavor.
- Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
- Substitute scallops or clams for the shrimp for a variation on the seafood theme.
- Add some chopped herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary to give this dish a fragrant boost.
Nutrition Information
This shrimp and saffron risotto recipe makes 4 servings. Here is the approximate nutritional information per serving:.