Earthy Italian Fennel and Sausage Risotto
Indulgent comfort food inspired by the flavors of Italy
This rich and creamy risotto features savory Italian sausage paired with aromatic fennel, creating a comforting main course dish perfect for an intimate dinner.
- 1 h 5 min
- 4
- Intermediate
Ingredients
For the Risotto Base
For the Sausage Mixture
For the Broth
For the Finishing Touch
Preparation
Preparing the Sausage Mixture
Brown sausage
Heat a pan over medium heat and add the sausage. Cook until browned and crumbly.
Sauté fennel
Add sliced fennel and fennel seeds to the pan, sauté for 5 minutes until fennel is tender.
Set aside
Set the cooked sausage mixture aside.
Preparing the Risotto Base
Heat olive oil
In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Cook onion and garlic
Add onion and garlic, cooking until translucent.
Constantly stir to prevent rice from sticking.
Toast rice
Stir in Arborio rice and cook for 2 minutes until lightly toasted.
Use warmed stock to maintain consistent cooking temperature.
Cooking Process
Simmer rice
Gently ladle in warmed chicken stock to the rice, one cup at a time, stirring consistently and letting the rice absorb the stock.
Add wine
Once half your stock is used, pour in the wine, allowing the rice to absorb fully before adding more stock.
Finish risotto
Stir in the cooked sausage mixture, then fold in Parmesan cheese and butter, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Plating & Serving
Earthy Italian Fennel and Sausage Risotto
Earthy Italian Fennel and Sausage Risotto
Serve with Parmesan and fennel fronds
Serve the risotto immediately, topped with a generous shaving of Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh fennel fronds for elegance.