Il Cucinologo
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Salmon and Gorgonzola Risotto

17/11/2023

I can provide you with a recipe for salmon and gorgonzola risotto, a dish that combines the bold flavor of the cheese with the delicacy of the fish. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients

  • 320 g risotto rice (such as Carnaroli or Arborio)
  • 200 g smoked salmon
  • 150 g sweet gorgonzola
  • 1 shallot
  • 1 glass of dry white wine
  • About 1 liter of hot vegetable broth
  • 30 g butter
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Preparation

  1. Start by finely chopping the shallot and cutting the smoked salmon into strips.
  2. Melt half the butter in a large pan over medium heat and add the shallot. Let it sauté until it becomes translucent.
  3. Add the rice to the pan and toast it for about 1-2 minutes, until it is well coated with the butter and soffritto.
  4. Pour in the glass of white wine and let the alcohol evaporate over high heat.
  5. Begin adding the hot vegetable broth one ladle at a time, waiting for the rice to absorb the broth before adding the next. Continue this way for about 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally and keeping the heat at medium-low.
  6. When the rice is almost al dente, add the smoked salmon and stir gently to distribute it evenly.
  7. Cut the gorgonzola into pieces and add it to the risotto, stirring until it has completely melted. If the risotto is too thick, you can add a little more broth to reach the desired consistency.
  8. Turn off the heat, add the remaining butter, and stir the risotto vigorously to emulsify. This will make the risotto creamy and glossy. At this point, check the seasoning and add a sprinkle of pepper to taste.
  9. Serve the risotto immediately in deep plates, garnished with chopped parsley and, if desired, an extra touch of freshly ground pepper.

Remember that the secret to a good risotto is paying attention during cooking, adding the broth little by little and stirring frequently to prevent the rice from sticking and to promote even creaminess.

Curiosities

Salmon and gorgonzola risotto is not a classic of Italian cuisine, but it represents an example of how ingredients from different traditions can be combined to create innovative and palate-pleasing flavors. Smoked salmon has a long history in Northern European cuisines, while gorgonzola is a cheese with deep roots in Lombard and Piedmontese tradition.