Imagine a creamy, luxurious risotto that combines the bold flavors of spicy Italian sausage with the slightly bitter, tender broccoli rabe - a match made in culinary heaven! This show-stopping dish transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a risotto novice or a seasoned home chef, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy.
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
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of Arborio rice, 1 lb of Italian sausage, 1 bunch of broccoli rabe (chopped), 1/2 cup of diced onion, 4 cups of chicken broth, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the chicken broth over medium heat until it is simmering. Keep it warm on the stove as you prepare the risotto.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Next, add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart into smaller pieces as it cooks. Sauté the sausage for about 5-7 minutes until it is browned and cooked through.
- Once the sausage is cooked, add the chopped broccoli rabe to the skillet. Stir well and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the broccoli rabe is tender and bright green.
- Now, add the Arborio rice to the skillet, stirring it into the sausage and vegetable mixture. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure it is well coated with the oil and flavors.
- Begin adding the warm chicken broth to the rice mixture, one ladleful at a time. Stir continuously and allow the liquid to be absorbed before adding more. This process should take about 20 minutes, and the rice should become creamy and al dente.
- Once the rice is cooked to your desired texture, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and combines with the risotto, creating a rich and creamy consistency.
- Season the risotto with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Serve the Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Risotto hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian meal!
Tips
- Choose the Right Rice: Always use Arborio rice, which has high starch content that creates that signature creamy risotto texture.
- Warm Your Broth: Keep your chicken broth simmering before adding it to the rice. This ensures even cooking and helps maintain the risotto's temperature.
- Stir Continuously: Constant stirring prevents the rice from sticking and helps release the starches that create the creamy consistency.
- Add Broth Gradually: Add broth one ladleful at a time, allowing each addition to be fully absorbed before adding more.
- Taste as You Go: Check the rice's texture periodically. Perfect risotto should be creamy but still have a slight bite (al dente).
- Rest Before Serving: Let the risotto sit for a couple of minutes after cooking to allow the texture to settle and become even more luxurious.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
