Il Cucinologo
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Risotto with Fennel and Primo Sale

17/11/2023

Fennel and primo sale risotto is a delicate and fragrant dish, an interesting variation on the more classic Italian risottos. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients

  • 320 g risotto rice (such as Arborio or Carnaroli)
  • 2 medium fennel bulbs
  • 200 g primo sale (a fresh and soft cheese)
  • 1 shallot
  • 1 liter vegetable broth
  • 1 glass dry white wine
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A bunch of fresh dill or wild fennel (optional)

Preparation

  1. Clean and finely slice the shallot and fennel. Set aside some of the green fronds from the fennel to garnish the dish.

  2. In a large saucepan, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and sauté the shallot until it becomes translucent. Add the fennel slices and cook over low heat for about 10 minutes, until softened. Stir occasionally.

  3. Increase the heat, add the rice and toast it for a couple of minutes until it becomes slightly translucent, stirring constantly.

  4. Deglaze with the glass of dry white wine and allow the alcohol to evaporate.

  5. Bring the vegetable broth to a gentle simmer in another pot.

  6. Begin adding the broth, one ladle at a time, waiting for the rice to absorb the liquid before adding the next. Stir regularly.

  7. Continue this process for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice reaches the desired consistency (al dente).

  8. At the end of cooking, remove the risotto from the heat and add the primo sale cut into cubes or crumbled, adjusting salt and pepper if necessary.

  9. Stir well to make the risotto creamy and let it rest for a couple of minutes.

  10. Serve the risotto garnished with fennel fronds or dill and, if desired, with a grating of black pepper.

Fun Facts

Fennel in risotto offers a sweet and slightly aniseed flavor, which pairs well with the creaminess of primo sale cheese. This cheese is special because it is lightly aged and therefore has a very delicate taste that does not overpower the other ingredients. Fennel risotto is an excellent example of how Italian cuisine manages to enhance fresh seasonal ingredients in simple dishes rich in flavor.