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Risotto alla Milanese
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
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
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6
cups easy vegetable broth
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1
teaspoon saffron threads
Directions
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01In a medium saucepan over medium, bring the broth, covered, to a simmer. Reduce to low to keep warm. In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine ½ cup of the hot broth and the saffron; set aside.