An expensive and valuable spice exported in large quantities from Spain, saffron has a slightly sweet and hay-like flavor.
Serves 6
Ingredients
• 3 pinches saffron
• 10 cups vegetable stock (or 5 cups canned vegetable broth combined with an equal amount of water)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 1 pound short-grain Italian rice for risotto, such as arborio, carnaroli, or roma
• 1⁄2 cup dry white wine
• 11⁄2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pound frozen mixed vegetables, or an equal amount of sautéed fresh vegetables
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Lemon wedges (optional)
1. Combine the saffron with 1 cup of the stock and let steep for 10 minutes; heat the remaining stock separately until hot but not boiling.
2. Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat; add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the rice and mix with a wooden spoon until rice is well coated and begins to change color, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the white wine; cook until all wine is absorbed. Add the saffron mixture; cook, stirring, until the liquid is absorbed.
4. Begin adding the hot stock in 1-cup increments, stirring each time until all the liquid is absorbed before adding the next cup, until rice is soft and creamy, and you have only 1 cup of liquid left. Fold in the cheese, vegetables, salt, pepper, and butter. Stir until well combined; remove from heat. Adjust consistency with remaining stock. Rice should have a saucy consistency and be soft, but still have a little bite. Serve with lemon wedges.
5. Speedy Risotto
6. This is about the fastest risotto you can make, and still achieve the creamy, saucy, flavorful dish of Northern Italy. The key is the gradual addition of hot liquid while stirring, which extracts natural starches in the short-grain rice, thickening the sauce.
