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This is the archived version of the Milk Street website and is no longer up to date.

Please visit 177milkstreet.com to see the current website with all of the latest recipes!

Risotto alla Milanese

4 Servings

40 minutes

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Risotto alla milanese gets its warm golden color and opulent flavor from saffron. The dish, a specialty of Milan, is the classic accompaniment to osso buco, or braised veal shanks, which also is a signature dish from the Lombardy region of northern Italy. Our iteration is based on risotto lessons learned at Trattoria Masuelli San Marco, where Max Masuelli and his son, Andrea, are at the helm, and at Trattoria Trippa, where Diego Rossi is chef. Medium-grain Italian rice is essential for achieving risotto with a rich, creamy consistency, as it has the ideal starch content. Arborio rice is the most common choice in the U.S., but in Milan—as well as at Milk Street—carnaroli is the preferred variety. We found that the grains better retained their structure and resisted overcooking. With careful cooking, however, Arborio will yield delicious results. A quick five-ingredient homemade vegetable broth (recipe follows) is the best cooking liquid for this risotto; its fresh, clean flavor won't compete with the other ingredients. Serve in warmed, shallow bowls to prevent the rice from cooling too quickly.

4

Servings

Tip

Don’t add the saffron to the saucepan of broth. Instead, remove ½ cup of the hot broth and steep the threads in that measured amount while you start the risotto. This way, all the saffron will make it into the rice even if you wind up with extra unused broth.

40 minutes

Ingredients

Directions

Reviews
DENISE C.
February 4, 2026
Delicious and surprising
I made this with Arborio rice and finished with apple cider vinegar and it’s still spectacular. Probably the most delicious risotto recipe I’ve ever made.
Clayton O.
June 11, 2025
be patient
For once in my life, I did not rush this recipe. lt came out wonderfully tasty.

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