Homemade risotto requires time standing at the stove, but makes for delicious results. This recipe takes about 45 minutes to an hour to completion, depending on your stove. Note that a small amount of bacon can be substituted for the pancetta, but it is much stronger in flavor and colors the risotto brown.
Course: Main Course, pork
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: alcohol, cheese, pork, rice
Author: Beth Cato
Equipment
large stock pot
medium saucepan
Ingredients
8ozpancettadiced
1Tablespoondried shallots or fresh shallot, finely minced
3clovesgarlic minced
1 1/4cupsArborio rice
1cupdry white wine Sauvignon Blanc works well
4cupschicken broth or chicken stock, equal to a 32 oz box or 2 cans
1/2cupshredded Parmesan or Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano, plus more to top rice
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a large stock pot, cook the pancetta for 10 to 12 minutes, until it starts to turn brown and crispy. At the same time, on another stove burner, use a medium sauce pan to bring the chicken broth to a very low simmer.
Add the white wine and stir until it is absorbed. Add chicken broth in 1/2 cup increments, stirring well after each addition until it is absorbed. After about 12 to 15 minutes, when most of the broth has been added, begin to taste the rice. The goal is a chewy, al dente consistency. Add more broth as needed, and remember to turn off the burner for the broth pot when it is empty.
When the rice is creamy and al dente, stir in the pancetta and cheese. Taste the risotto again, adding more salt and pepper as needed. Serve with the remaining white wine.