Risotto with Celery and Sweet Fennel Sausage

Risotto with Celery and Sweet Fennel Sausage Recipe - Italian Cuisine

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Risotto with Celery and Sweet Fennel Sausage is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the flavors of sweet Italian sausage, tender celery, and creamy risotto. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner with friends and family.

History

Risotto is a traditional Italian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Northern Italy, where rice is a staple ingredient. The creamy texture of risotto comes from the slow cooking process, which allows the rice to release its starches and create a rich and velvety sauce.

Ingredients

0.25 lb (113 g) of lean Italian sweet sausage, crumbled
0.25 cup of olive oil, divided
2 celery stalks, peeled and sliced
1 shallot, minced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup of uncooked U.S. arborio or medium grain rice
1 cup of dry white wine
2.5 cups of chicken broth
2 cups of water
0.25 cup of heavy cream
2 tbsp of romano cheese
2 tbsp of parmesan cheese
2 tbsp of chopped fresh parsley
parmesan cheese for garnish

How to prepare

Cook the sausage in 2 tbsp of olive oil. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
Cook the celery in boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the shallots and garlic in the remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Do not brown.
Stir in the rice and increase the heat.
Add the wine and continue stirring the rice mixture until the wine is absorbed, about 1 minute.
Increase the heat and stir in about 1 cup of chicken broth into the rice mixture. Stir until absorbed. Continue adding the chicken stock and water, 1 cup at a time, stirring until the liquid is absorbed.
When the rice is cooked, reduce the heat and stir in the sausage and celery.
Add the cream and cheeses. Continue stirring over medium heat for about 2 minutes.

Variations

Substitute the sweet Italian sausage with spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat.
Add diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
Stir in some fresh spinach or arugula for a pop of color.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use a high-quality Italian sweet sausage for the best flavor.

- Stir the risotto constantly to ensure a creamy texture.

- Use arborio or medium rice for the best results.

- Add the chicken broth and water gradually to allow the rice to absorb the liquid slowly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Risotto with Celery and Sweet Fennel Sausage with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

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

- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or pot to ensure even cooking.

- Allow the risotto to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

- Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

- Use quinoa or barley instead of rice for a different twist on the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Risotto with Celery and Sweet Fennel Sausage can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Risotto with Celery and Sweet Fennel Sausage with fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation. Serve it in individual bowls or on a large platter for a family-style meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Risotto with Celery and Sweet Fennel Sausage with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. A side of garlic bread or roasted vegetables would also complement the dish nicely.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Risotto with Celery and Sweet Fennel Sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Risotto with Celery and Sweet Fennel Sausage contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Risotto with Celery and Sweet Fennel Sausage contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Risotto with Celery and Sweet Fennel Sausage contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Risotto with Celery and Sweet Fennel Sausage contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Risotto with Celery and Sweet Fennel Sausage is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese and cream) and gluten (from the rice), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Risotto with Celery and Sweet Fennel Sausage is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Risotto with Celery and Sweet Fennel Sausage is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner with loved ones. With a creamy texture and a mix of savory flavors, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Risotto with Celery and Sweet Fennel Sausage. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was a wonderful cook, and she had a knack for creating delicious dishes with simple ingredients.

As I watched her deftly chop the celery and brown the sweet fennel sausage, the fragrant aromas filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. I had always been a fan of risotto, but I had never tried it with these particular ingredients before. Maria explained that the combination of the crunchy celery and the savory sausage would add a unique twist to the creamy rice dish.

I eagerly watched as she added the Arborio rice to the pan, stirring it gently to coat each grain with the flavors of the celery and sausage. The kitchen was filled with the comforting sounds of bubbling broth as she ladled it into the pan, one spoonful at a time, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and release its starches to create a creamy texture.

As the risotto cooked, Maria shared stories of her own grandmother, who had passed down many of the recipes she now cherished. She spoke fondly of the long afternoons spent in her grandmother's kitchen, learning the art of Italian cooking and the importance of using fresh, seasonal ingredients.

I listened intently, soaking in every detail of her stories and the techniques she used to create such delectable dishes. Maria had a way of making cooking seem effortless and enjoyable, a true labor of love that brought people together around the table.

Finally, the risotto was ready, and Maria added a generous grating of Parmesan cheese before serving it in shallow bowls. The first bite was pure heaven - creamy rice studded with tender celery and chunks of flavorful sausage, each bite bursting with a symphony of tastes and textures.

I knew I had to learn how to make this dish for myself, so I begged Maria to teach me her secrets. She laughed and agreed, happy to pass on her knowledge to a willing student. Over the next few weeks, we spent countless hours in her kitchen, cooking and laughing together as we experimented with different variations of the risotto recipe.

With each batch we made, I learned more about the intricacies of risotto - the importance of using the right type of rice, the need for patience in adding the broth slowly, and the art of balancing flavors to create a harmonious dish. Maria's gentle guidance and encouragement gave me the confidence to tackle this seemingly complex recipe with ease.

As the years went by, I continued to perfect my version of Risotto with Celery and Sweet Fennel Sausage, adding my own twists and adaptations to suit my tastes. I shared the recipe with my own children and grandchildren, passing down the tradition of good food and fellowship that Maria had instilled in me.

To this day, whenever I make this dish, I am transported back to that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen, surrounded by the comforting scents and sounds of cooking. I am grateful for the memories, the lessons learned, and the joy that sharing a delicious meal with loved ones can bring.

And so, the recipe for Risotto with Celery and Sweet Fennel Sausage will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the bonds forged through food and the simple pleasures of a well-cooked meal shared with those we hold dear.