Adding vodka to a risotto may sound a little strange for some, but it really adds a wonderful flavour to the rice and compliments the sweet fennel and smoked salmon beautifully.
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 large head of fennel
75g unsalted butter
2tb olive oil
1 onion, peeled, finely chopped
100ml vodka
1 litre light chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
50g parmesan, freshly grated
75g good quality smoked salmon, chopped
Juice and zest of 1 lemon (preferably Sicilian)
Sea salt, freshly ground black pepper
Method:
- Place the stock in a pan, heat until boiling, then reduce the heat and keep it at a low simmer.
- Peel the fennel, reserving any fronds as a garnish if wished. Cut it in half and remove the woody centre cores, then cut the fennel into 1 cm cubes. Add any trimmings to the stock for extra flavour.
- In a heavy based pan, heat the olive oil and 25g of the butter, add the onion and fennel, cook over a low-medium heat for 4-5 minutes to soften the vegetables.
- Add the GRAN RISERVA rice, stir together with the vegetables and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is translucent and well coated
- Add the vodka, cook for 2 minutes, or until it has been completely absorbed
- Add a ladle of hot stock and simmer, stirring until it has been absorbed.
- Continue adding the stock, a ladle at a time, letting each addition be absorbed by the rice before adding the next.
- After 18-20 minutes check for the required ‘’al dente’’ texture-…. the rice should be tender, but with a firm bite in the centre and a creamy moist consistency.
- Remove the pan from the heat, add the parmesan, remaining butter, smoked salmon and juice and zest of the lemon, stir in well.
- Cover the risotto with a lid, then let it stand for one minute before serving, garnish with any reserved fennel fronds and serve.
This recipe was created by Chef Paul Gayler MBE for Riso Gallo UK
