Il Cucinologo
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Cuttlefish and Tomato Risotto

17/11/2023

Cuttlefish and tomato risotto is a dish that combines the flavors of the sea with the fresh taste of tomato, a variant on the classic seafood risotto with a Mediterranean touch. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

  • 320 g risotto rice (such as arborio, carnaroli or vialone nano)
  • 400 g cleaned cuttlefish
  • 400 g ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped (or tomato passata)
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 glass of dry white wine
  • About 1 liter vegetable or fish stock
  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Clean the cuttlefish by removing the skin and tentacles, and cut them into strips or pieces.
  2. Finely chop the onion and garlic. In a wide pan or casserole, sauté the onion and garlic in extra virgin olive oil until translucent.
  3. Add the cuttlefish and let them sauté for a few minutes, then deglaze with the white wine. Allow the alcohol to evaporate.
  4. Add the peeled chopped tomatoes and let everything cook for a few minutes.
  5. Add the rice and lightly toast it, stirring to coat the grains.
  6. Begin adding the hot stock little by little, stirring continuously to prevent the rice from sticking. Add more stock each time the previous amount has been absorbed.
  7. Cook the rice until done (about 18-20 minutes), ensuring it remains al dente.
  8. At the end of cooking, adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, and finish the risotto with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and fresh chopped parsley.
  9. Let the risotto rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Trivia

Cuttlefish and tomato risotto is a typically summer dish, often found in coastal restaurants. While some versions include mussels or other seafood, this recipe focuses on the sweet and slightly briny flavor of the cuttlefish, balanced by the fresh acidity of the tomato. Also, remember not to rinse the rice before cooking, to preserve the starch that will help give the dish the right creaminess.

I hope you enjoy this dish and it gives you a bit of the taste of the Italian sea!