This exquisite Italian Seafood Risotto is a culinary gem that transcends the traditional Christmas Eve celebration. Originally enjoyed during this festive occasion, its popularity has spread, making it a gourmet delight suitable for any time of the year. Imagine a dish where succulent prawns and tender scallops are perfectly cooked, mingling with creamy Arborio rice. Each mouthful transports you to the sun-drenched Italian coastline, where the flavours of the sea harmonise with the richness of the land.
Italian Seafood Risotto Recipe
Ingredients:
4 tbsp Lemon-infused Olive Oil (plus extra for serving)
3 tsp Minced Garlic
225g scallops
225g prawns, peeled and deveined
Salt and black pepper
1 tsp chilli flakes
150ml White Wine
2 tsp Lemon Juice
Bunch of fresh parsley, chopped (additional herbs: fennel fronds, dill, marjoram, or fresh oregano as desired)
1L fish or vegetable stock
1 tbsp butter
1 onion, finely diced
350g Arborio Rice
Preparation Steps:
Cook the Seafood:
Begin by heating 3 tablespoons of lemon-infused olive oil in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Next, add the scallops to the pan and cook them for about 1 minute. Then, add the prawns, increasing the heat slightly, and cook for an additional 3 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. Season with a generous pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a teaspoon of chilli flakes for a hint of heat.
Pour in half of the white wine, approximately 75ml, and use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan, deglazing it and ensuring all the flavours are incorporated. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce for a few minutes. Once reduced, turn off the heat, add the lemon juice, and stir in a few handfuls of fresh parsley. This will add a bright, fresh flavour to the seafood. Set the scallops and prawns aside, keeping them warm.
Prepare the Risotto:
In a separate pot, bring the fish or vegetable stock to a gentle simmer over medium heat. This will be used to cook the risotto. In a wide-based pan, melt the butter over low-medium heat and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the finely diced onion and cook for around 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Add the Arborio rice to the pan with the onions and toast the grains for about 3 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps to develop a slightly nutty flavour in the rice. Pour in the remaining 75ml of white wine and let it simmer until it has been absorbed by the rice. This adds another layer of flavour to the dish.
Begin adding the simmering stock to the rice, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously. Wait until each ladleful of stock is fully absorbed before adding the next. This process should take about 15-20 minutes and results in the rice becoming tender and creamy. The continuous stirring helps release the starches from the rice, contributing to the creamy texture of the risotto.
A few minutes before the risotto is fully cooked, with a little stock still left to be absorbed, add the cooked scallops and prawns back into the pan. Stir to combine the seafood with the rice, ensuring that the flavours meld together beautifully.
To Serve:
Once the risotto has reached a creamy, tender consistency and the seafood is heated through, remove the pan from the heat. Drizzle a little extra lemon-infused olive oil over the top and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Let the risotto rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This allows the flavours to settle and the risotto to achieve the perfect texture.
Delicious Seafood Risotto
This Italian Seafood Risotto is more than just a dish; it is a celebration of flavours that brings the essence of the Mediterranean straight to your dining table. The combination of succulent prawns, tender scallops, and creamy Arborio rice is a testament to the culinary artistry of Italian cuisine. This dish is perfect for festive occasions or any day you crave a taste of Italy’s coastal delights.
Christmas Tradition
In Italy, Christmas Eve is marked by grand celebrations and feasting with family and friends. Seafood dishes, symbolising purity in the Catholic faith, are prominently featured on Italian Christmas tables. Among these, seafood risotto stands out as a popular choice, making an appearance in many households. Risotto, in general, is a common primo (first course) in Italy, prized for its light and delicate nature, making it an ideal appetiser. On Christmas Eve, many Italian families indulge in up to 12 courses, and a seafood risotto is the perfect way to start the festivities. Fresh, high-quality seafood is a must, with many Italians spending hours at fishmongers and market stalls to secure the best ingredients for their celebratory meals. Other popular seafood dishes include salmon crostini, baked scallops, and polenta e baccalà alla Vicentina, a Venetian-style cod with polenta.
Historical Context
The tradition of preparing seafood on Christmas Eve has deep roots in Italian culture. Known as La Vigilia or The Vigil, this tradition aligns with the Catholic practice of abstaining from meat on the eve of significant holy days. The focus on seafood is not only a reflection of religious observance but also a celebration of Italy’s rich coastal bounty. The use of fresh, locally sourced seafood ensures that dishes are both delicious and a tribute to the country's natural resources.
Culinary Tips
For the best results, always use fresh seafood. Scallops should be firm and slightly translucent, while prawns should have a fresh sea aroma. When cooking the seafood, be mindful not to overcook it. Scallops and prawns cook quickly and can become rubbery if left on the heat for too long. The key to a perfect risotto is patience and continuous stirring. This not only helps achieve the creamy texture but also ensures that the rice cooks evenly. The addition of lemon-infused olive oil and fresh herbs like parsley adds a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the risotto.
Variations
While this recipe focuses on scallops and prawns, you can customise your seafood risotto with other ingredients such as mussels, clams, or even pieces of firm white fish. Adding a variety of seafood can enhance the dish's complexity and flavour. For a touch of luxury, consider adding a splash of cream or a handful of grated Parmesan cheese towards the end of the cooking process. This will make the risotto even richer and more indulgent.
Nutritional Information
This Italian Seafood Risotto is not only delicious but also nutritious. Prawns and scallops are excellent sources of protein and are low in fat. They provide essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Arborio rice is a good source of carbohydrates, providing the energy needed for the day. The use of olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, contributing to overall health and wellness.
Summing up our Seafood Risotto Recipe
In every bite of this Italian Seafood Risotto, you will discover the essence of the Mediterranean, bringing joy and indulgence to your meals. Whether enjoyed during festive occasions or as a luxurious treat on any day, this dish never fails to impress. Its blend of creamy rice, succulent seafood, and aromatic herbs is a testament to the artistry and passion of Italian cooking. So, take a culinary journey to the Italian coastline, where sun-kissed shores and the bounty of the sea come together in perfect harmony. Let this sumptuous dish be the centrepiece of your gatherings, igniting laughter and fond memories among family and friends. In every exquisite spoonful, you'll taste the love and care that goes into creating a true Italian masterpiece.
Buon Appetito!
Try something a little different, check out our Celery and Blue Cheese Risotto Recipe now