Legend has it that risotto Milanese dates back to 1574, when a stained-glass artisan, Zafferano, added the saffron he used for his paintings to his daughter's wedding risotto. It became (and still is) the talk of the town!
Tips:If you don't have saffron, omit the hot water, increase the chicken broth to 3 cups(750 mL) and replace the saffron with 2 tspn(10 mL) ground turmeric, adding it with the broth.
The risotto will hold on the Keep Warm cycle for about an hour, but you'll need to add 1/4 cup(60 mL) more broth for a creamy consistency. Wait until you're ready to serve before folding in the Parmesan, seasoning and garnishing.
Recommended Equipment:Medium to large rice cooker; fuzzy logic (preferred) or on/off
Ingredients:1 tspn crushed saffron threads
1/4 cup hot water
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
5 tspn butter, divided
1 onion, finely chopped
1 cup Arbrorio rice
1/4 cup white wine
2 3/4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
salt and freshly ground pepper
additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation:- In a measuring cup or small bowl, combine saffron threads and hot water; set aside to steep.
- Set the rice cooker for the Quick Cook or Regular cycle. When the bottom of the bowl gets hot, add oil and 1 tbsp (15 mL0 butter and let butter melt. Sauté onion for about 3 minutes or until softened and translucent.
- Add the rice and sauté for about 4 minutes or until rice is mostly translucent and only a dot of white remains. Stir in wine and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until evaporated. Stir in saffron infused water and chicken broth. Close the lid and reset for the Porridge or Regular cycle. Set a timer for 25 minutes. Stir two or three times while the risotto is cooking.
- When the timer sounds, check to make sure the risotto is al dente. If necessary, continue cooking, checking for doneness every 5 minutes. Fold in the remaining butter. Fold in Parmesan. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan.
Makes 4 to 6 servingsRecipe courtesy of 300 Best Rice Cooker Recipes by Katie Chin Italy [
print this recipe for Risotto Milanese ]