Bacon Parmesan Risotto (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
1 cup arborio rice
02 -
1/3 cup grated parmesan-reggiano, finely shredded
03 -
1/4 cup dry white wine
04 -
1 Tbsp. high-quality olive oil
05 -
3 cups chicken broth, low-sodium
06 -
1/2 small shallot, chopped very finely
07 -
2 cloves garlic, minced up small
08 -
2 thick bacon strips, sliced into half-inch bits
09 -
4 Tbsp. caramelized onions, chopped up small
10 -
1 Tbsp. butter, unsalted
11 -
Chopped chives for the top
12 -
Pepper and salt, use as needed
# Instructions:
01 -
Keep the chicken broth warm by gently heating it in a pot over medium-low heat. Once it begins to lightly steam, lower the heat to keep it ready to use whenever needed.
02 -
Start heating a large pan on medium. Pour in the olive oil, then add in the pieces of bacon. Let them fry up until they’re golden and crunchy, which should take around 10 minutes. Place them on some paper towels to cool.
03 -
Lower the heat to medium-low. Throw in the tiny diced shallots with a little bit of salt. Stir them for about 1-2 minutes until soft but don’t let them brown. If they look like they’re cooking too fast, lift the pan off the burner to cool it down.
04 -
Add minced garlic to the pan and let it cook for just a minute or so. Then mix in the rice so it’s coated well with the garlic and shallot mixture. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes until a small, chalky center is visible in each grain.
05 -
Pour the dry white wine into the pan. Let it bubble up as the rice soaks it in, which takes about 2-3 minutes. This step adds flavor while letting the alcohol evaporate.
06 -
Time to go slow. Add broth one scoop at a time, waiting for the rice to drink it all up before adding more. Keep at it for 20-25 minutes, and you’ll notice velvety, creamy risotto taking shape as you stir.
07 -
Once the rice is perfectly cooked but still firm in the center (al dente), gently stir in the caramelized onions and those crispy bacon bits. Remove the pan from the heat right after.
08 -
Mix in your butter and parmesan until it’s smooth and incorporated. Add chives on top for a pop of color and a bit of fresh flavor. Season with salt and pepper until it’s perfect, then dig in while it’s warm!
# Notes:
01 -
This dish pairs sweet caramelized onions, tasty bacon, and nutty parmesan for a cozy and satisfying meal.
02 -
Keep stirring! Risotto turns out best when you stick close to the stove.