Imagine a creamy, rich risotto that transports you straight to the rolling hills of Northern Italy, where every bite tells a story of tradition and flavor. This Northern Italian Sun-Dried Tomato Italian Sausage Risotto isn't just a meal—it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of taste and texture. Prepare to impress your dinner guests and elevate your home cooking with this restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly easy to master.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove Italian sausage from casing and slice into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the onion and sun-dried tomatoes.
- In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy, approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- In the same pan, sauté chopped onions until translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat the rice with oil and allow it to become slightly golden.
- Begin adding warm chicken broth one ladle at a time, stirring continuously. Allow each addition of broth to be absorbed before adding the next. This process will take approximately 18-20 minutes.
- When rice is creamy and al dente, fold in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and browned sausage. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Let risotto rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Use authentic Arborio rice for the creamiest texture—its high starch content is key to traditional risotto.
- Keep your chicken broth warm throughout cooking to ensure consistent temperature and even absorption.
- Stir continuously while adding broth to prevent rice from sticking and to release the starches that create that signature creamy consistency.
- Don't rush the risotto-making process; patience is crucial for developing deep, complex flavors.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider toasting the rice in the pan for a full 2-3 minutes before adding broth.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the most vibrant flavor and smoothest texture.
- Let the risotto rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to settle.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 75mg
