Fennel Risotto

Ingredients and Weight:

• 400g Carnaroli rice (or any Italian short grain rice)
• 800ml Chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 bulb Fennel (approx. 300g), trimmed and thinly sliced
• 50g Unsalted butter
• 30g Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 30-40 minutes
• Total: 45-55 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil and reduce to a low simmer.
2. Heat the olive oil and butter in a separate, deep, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
3. Add the sliced fennel and cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the rice and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes, until the rice is well coated with oil and butter and starts to turn slightly translucent.
5. Pour in the hot chicken broth, one ladle at a time, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Continue cooking and stirring until the rice is tender but still has a slight bite.
8. Stir in the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
10. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information:

(Based on average values, may vary depending on specific ingredients used)

• Calories: approximately 450 per serving (assuming 8 equal servings)
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Protein: 12g

Dish Characteristics:

• Creamy and rich texture from the risotto.
• Slightly sweet and aromatic flavor from the fennel.
• Cheesy and salty taste from the Parmigiano-Reggiano.
• A comforting and satisfying dish that pairs well with light meats or seafood.

User Comments:

1. "The fennel gave a unique flavor to the risotto, really enjoyed it!"
2. "Risotto was creamy and delicious, loved the cheese at the end."
3. "A bit challenging to get the texture right, but once you get it, it's worth it."
4. "Fennel was a great addition, added a different dimension to this classic dish."
5. "Would make this again, a great dish for a special meal."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to use low-heat when cooking the rice to avoid burning it.
• Adjust the thickness of the risotto by adding more broth or cooking liquid if needed. The ideal texture should be creamy but not soupy.
• Use fresh ingredients for best results, especially the chicken broth and cheese.
• Stir frequently to prevent sticking or burning of the rice.