Risotto with prawns and pumpkin

Risotto is a traditional Italian dish that originated in Northern Italy, particularly in the Piedmont region. The history of risotto dates back to the 14th century when rice cultivation began in Northern Italy. The word "risotto" comes from the Italian word "riso," meaning rice. Originally, risotto was served as a simple and quick meal for farmers and workers in Northern Italy. It was an inexpensive dish and a fast dinner made from rice, water, and some basic ingredients like onions and cheese. Over time, risotto gained popularity, and more ingredients such as mushrooms, seafood, and various vegetables were added to refine the dish.
Today, risotto is a globally recognized dish with many different variations featuring diverse ingredients and flavors. It is often served as a side dish to meat or fish but can also be enjoyed as a main course.
Arborio rice - the risotto rice
The rice used for risotto is a special variety known as Arborio rice. It is a short-grain rice with high starch content and a tough outer hull. This starch content is crucial for making risotto as it is slowly released during cooking, contributing to the dish's creamy consistency.
Other rice varieties that can be used for risotto include, for example, Carnaroli rice and Vialone Nano rice. Risotto rice is typically not washed before cooking to avoid removing the starch essential for the dish's creamy texture. When making risotto, everything is sautéed together in a pan with onions, butter, and/or olive oil and then gradually simmered with broth or wine until the rice is cooked and reaches the desired consistency. The type and amount of vegetable broth or wine used depend on the specific recipe and can be varied according to preferences.
The right pan for risotto
We recommend preparing our recipe using a cast-iron pan. A cast-iron pan has the advantage of retaining and evenly distributing heat, which can be very helpful in achieving a uniform and creamy consistency while cooking. Additionally, the patina on a cast-iron pan is a natural coating that develops over time with frequent use. The patina forms through the natural accumulation of oil and fat during frying and cooking in the pan. It can be beneficial when preparing risotto in a cast-iron pan as it helps cook the rice evenly and gently without sticking to the bottom of the pan. Furthermore, it provides the advantage of protecting the pan from rust and corrosion and forming a natural non-stick coating, reducing the need for additional oil or fat during cooking.
Quick risotto recipe with prawns and pumpkin









8
large shrimps
|
100g
Pumpkin without skin
|
100g
raw risotto rice
|
50g
cream
|
20g
butter
|
1 piece
garlic
|
3 tablespoon
dry white wine
|
1 1/2 teaspoon
salt
|
1 pinch
pepper
|
350ml
water
|
a little
parsley
|
some
parmesan if required
|
Spices according to taste
|


