Best Easy Risotto con Puntarelle Recipe

Roman chicory greens called puntarelle give this risotto a pleasantly bitter edge. This vegetarian mediterranean dish is fresh, healthy, and a unique family dinner celebrating Roman produce.

Cook 35 min Difficulty NORMAL 340 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Arborio rice 1.5 cups
  • Puntarelle (Roman chicory), trimmed and sliced 2 cups
  • Yellow onion, finely chopped 1 pieces
  • Vegetable broth 6 cups
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese 0.5 cup
  • Extra-virgin olive oil 2 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Butter 2 tbsp
  • Kosher salt 1 tsp
  • Black pepper, freshly ground 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 54 g 63%
Protein 8 g 9%
Fat 10 g 28%
Serving size 320g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat the vegetable broth in a saucepan over low heat until just simmering; keep warm but do not boil.

  2. 2

    In a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent, stirring often to avoid browning.

  3. 3

    Add the Arborio rice and toast over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until the grains are glossy and slightly translucent at the edges.

  4. 4

    Begin adding the hot broth one ladleful at a time, stirring frequently and allowing the liquid to absorb before each addition. Control the heat to maintain a gentle simmer; avoid letting the risotto dry out.

  5. 5

    After 12 minutes, stir in the sliced puntarelle. Continue cooking and adding broth gradually, stirring to develop creaminess, until the rice is al dente and the puntarelle is just tender, 7–9 minutes more.

  6. 6

    When the rice is creamy but still a little loose, remove from heat. Immediately fold in butter, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until melted and well incorporated.

  7. 7

    Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Let the risotto rest off heat for 2 minutes before serving to ensure perfect texture.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The defining ingredient is puntarelle, a Roman chicory green that brings a signature bitterness and fresh complexity to the risotto. It pairs beautifully with creamy Arborio rice to deliver the classic Roman flavor profile.
Q. What makes the cooking technique for this risotto different?
Success depends on gradual broth additions over gentle heat, constantly stirring to release the rice's starch and create creaminess. Careful heat control prevents scorching and ensures each grain cooks evenly.
Q. How do I avoid overcooking the risotto or puntarelle?
Add the puntarelle after about 12 minutes so it retains texture and color. Remove the risotto from heat while still slightly loose, as it will continue thickening from residual heat. Letting it rest off heat for 2 minutes assures a perfect, creamy texture without mushiness.
Q. How many calories and what is the main nutrition balance per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 340 kcal, with a nutrition balance of about 54g carbohydrates (63%), 8g protein (9%), and 10g fat (28%). This makes it a lighter Mediterranean vegetarian option focused on wholesome carbs.
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