Creamy, savory, and incredibly Italian, risotto is a very common dish you’ll find at pretty much any Italian restaurant. It is comforting and warm, each bite packed with flavor and the most scrumptious al dente bite. If risotto has been an elusive dish for you and you’re ready to expand your tastes, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll give you a little background on this dish before your next Strega visit so you know what to expect!
When Was Risotto Introduced?
Rice found its way to Italy in the Middle Ages, transported by the Arabs and used as a supplementary food source for villages that struggled with crop cultivation during times of famine. Soon, rice became increasingly common and was grown in northern Italian regions, as these parts of Italy had the best conditions to sustain the crop.
For risotto in particular, this dish found its origins in the 19th century, although many will claim it can be traced back to the 14th century when a rice and broth mixture was a staple for poor villagers. The risotto we know and love today was originally called Risotto alla Milanese, as depicted in the 1829 cookbook, Nuovo Cuco Milanese Economico. This delectable dish was made with chicken stock, rice, onions, butter, parmesan, wine, saffron, and a pinch of parsley. Soon, arborio rice became the norm for risotto, and the dish started to become quite popular.
How Is Risotto Prepared?
Risotto is usually made on the stove. You can start out by sauteeing aromatic items like garlic, onions, or shallots in a large pan or pot. Some recipes call for olive oil, but in many cases, you can use butter as well. Once your aromatics have sweated out a bit, you can add in your rice, continuing to saute it before deglazing the pan with wine or vermouth. Next, you should add your broth in small amounts at a time, stirring as you go to develop the creamy texture that makes risotto so appealing.
What Can You Pair With Risotto?
Risotto can be paired with pretty much any protein and vegetable. Risotto works well with slow-cooked meats, like short ribs, braised lamb, or osso bucco. You can also incorporate seafood into risotto dishes, such as lobster or shrimp. At Strega, we offer Risotto di Mare, which includes mussels, calamari, shrimp, and our beloved fra divalo sauce.
Though saffron is an ingredient that can truly elevate a traditional risotto dish, it can be expensive and hard to come by. You can expect to purchase saffron for $10-$20 per gram, so if you plan on incorporating it into your dish, consider saving it for a special occasion.
Make Your Reservation at Strega North End Today
Strega offers an array of carefully curated, thoughtfully prepared dishes that will make any celebration, lunch, or dinner special. To book your reservation, click here. For questions about dietary restrictions, large parties, or other queries, feel free to give us a call at (617) 523-8481.
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