Cilantro Cream Risotto with Shrimp

Cilantro Cream Risotto with Shrimp Recipe - Authentic Italian Cuisine

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cilantro Cream Risotto with Shrimp is a delicious and creamy dish that combines the flavors of cilantro, shrimp, and creamy risotto. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a fancy meal at home.

History

Risotto is a traditional Italian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is made by cooking Arborio rice in broth until it becomes creamy and tender. Adding shrimp and cilantro to the risotto gives it a unique and flavorful twist.

Ingredients

3 cups water
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
0.25 cup minced cilantro
0.33 cup butter or margarine, divided
0.75 lb (340 g) shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
0.5 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup uncooked U.S. Arborio or medium-grain rice
2 medium tomatoes, chopped and seeded
0.33 cup grated parmesan cheese
0.5 cup chopped green onions
0.5 tsp ground white pepper
0.5 tsp salt

How to prepare

Heat 2 qt (1.89 liter) of water and broth in a saucepan over medium heat until it comes to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and keep it warm.
Meanwhile, combine cream and cilantro in a small saucepan.
Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the mixture is reduced by half, about 20 to 30 minutes.
Melt 2 tbsp of butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Do not overcook.
Remove the shrimp from the saucepan and keep them warm.
Cook the onion and garlic in the remaining butter over medium heat until they become soft.
Add the rice and stir for 2 to 3 minutes.
Increase the heat to medium-high and stir in 1 cup of the water-broth mixture.
Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, until the liquid is absorbed.
Continue stirring and adding the remaining water-broth mixture, 1 cup at a time, allowing each cup to be absorbed before adding another.
Cook until the rice is tender and the mixture has a creamy consistency, approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
Stir in the cilantro cream, shrimp, tomatoes, green onions, pepper, and salt.
Stir until the mixture is creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Serve immediately.

Variations

Substitute chicken or scallops for the shrimp.
Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to stir the risotto constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

- Use fresh cilantro for the best flavor in the cilantro cream.

- Don't overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more salt or pepper if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Cilantro Cream Risotto with Shrimp as a main dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables. It can also be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Risotto requires constant stirring to release the starch from the rice and create a creamy texture.

- Be sure to cook the shrimp quickly over high heat to prevent them from becoming tough.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Substitute parsley or basil for the cilantro if desired.

- Use any type of cheese you prefer in place of Parmesan.

Make Ahead Tips

The cilantro cream can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- The risotto can be partially cooked ahead of time and finished just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the risotto with extra chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. - Serve the dish in individual bowls for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Cilantro Cream Risotto with Shrimp with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

- A side of crusty bread or garlic bread is a perfect accompaniment to soak up the creamy sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the risotto in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

380

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 38g

- Dietary Fiber: 1g

- Sugars: 1g

Fats

- Total Fat: 21g

- Saturated Fat: 12g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 18g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20%

- Vitamin C: 10%

- Calcium: 15%

- Iron: 10%

Alergens

Contains shellfish (shrimp)

- Contains dairy (cream, cheese)

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and calcium, but it is also high in fat and calories. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Cilantro Cream Risotto with Shrimp is a flavorful and creamy dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner at home. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that will impress your guests. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was an amazing cook, and I always loved watching her work her magic with ingredients.

On this particular day, Maria had decided to make Cilantro Cream Risotto with Shrimp for lunch. I had never tried this dish before, but just the sound of it made my mouth water. As I watched Maria meticulously chop the cilantro and stir the creamy risotto, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

I asked Maria if she would teach me her recipe, and she smiled and nodded. She handed me a pen and paper and began to dictate the ingredients and instructions to me. I wrote down every word, making sure not to miss a single detail.

After a few hours of cooking and chatting, the dish was finally ready. Maria spooned the creamy risotto onto plates, topped it with plump shrimp, and garnished it with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. The first bite was pure heaven - the creamy rice, the flavorful cilantro, and the tender shrimp all melded together in perfect harmony.

From that day on, Cilantro Cream Risotto with Shrimp became one of my favorite dishes to make. I would often whip it up for family dinners or dinner parties, and it never failed to impress.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to Maria's original recipe, adding my own personal touch. I experimented with different types of shrimp, adjusting the amount of cilantro, and even trying out different variations of cream.

One of my proudest moments was when my own grandchildren asked me to teach them how to make Cilantro Cream Risotto with Shrimp. It brought back memories of the day I learned the recipe from Maria, and I felt honored to pass it down to the next generation.

I remember one summer afternoon when my granddaughter Emma came over for a cooking lesson. She was a natural in the kitchen, just like her grandmother. Together, we chopped cilantro, sautéed shrimp, and stirred creamy risotto until it was perfectly cooked.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Emma declared that it was the best risotto she had ever tasted. I beamed with pride, knowing that I had successfully passed on a beloved family recipe to my granddaughter.

Over the years, I have shared my Cilantro Cream Risotto with Shrimp recipe with many friends and neighbors. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen, where I first discovered the magic of this dish.

I am grateful for the many recipes and cooking tips I have learned from friends and family over the years. Each one holds a special place in my heart and brings back cherished memories of time spent in the kitchen with loved ones.

And so, as I continue to cook and share my recipes with others, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to pass on traditions from one generation to the next. Cooking is not just about the ingredients and techniques - it is about love, connection, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with those we care about.