Carnaroli Rice: The King Of Flavour, Texture and Versatility.
Sometimes we all get a craving for comfort food that warms the soul. At Carluccio's, we believe that the most comforting dishes are often the simplest, and none embodies this more than a beautifully crafted risotto. The secret to a truly exceptional risotto lies in the quality of the rice, and our Carnaroli rice is second to none.
Known as the "King of Rice," Carnaroli is an Italian short-grain rice renowned for its high starch content, firm texture, and ability to absorb flavours without becoming mushy. This makes it the perfect canvas for a myriad of delicious creations. Forget the idea that risotto is just a single dish; it’s a world of culinary possibilities waiting to be explored.
Here are some of our favourite risotto ideas that you can create using Carluccio’s Carnaroli rice:
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Risotto alla Milanese: A classic for a reason. This golden-hued risotto is enriched with saffron and often finished with a generous knob of butter and grated Parmesan cheese. It's simple, elegant, and the perfect accompaniment to osso buco.
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Mushroom Risotto (Risotto ai Funghi): Earthy and deeply flavourful, this risotto uses a medley of wild mushrooms like porcini, chanterelles, or cremini. The mushrooms are sautéed in garlic and herbs before being stirred into the creamy rice. Our Risotto Ai Funghi kit is a great option for less confident cooks and people short on time! If you want to make yours from scratch - check out our recipe here.
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Pumpkin and Sage Risotto (Risotto alla Zucca e Salvia): A taste of autumn in a bowl. Sweet pumpkin purée is cooked with the rice and complemented by the aromatic, earthy notes of fresh sage. A sprinkle of crumbled amaretti biscuits can add a surprising and delightful twist.
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Lemon and Asparagus Risotto: Bright, fresh, and perfect for a lighter meal. The zest and juice of a lemon cut through the richness, while blanched asparagus spears add a lovely texture and vibrant green colour.
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Seafood Risotto (Risotto di Mare): A luxurious coastal delight. This risotto is packed with fresh seafood like prawns, calamari, mussels, and clams, all cooked in a rich tomato and white wine broth.
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Risotto al Nero di Seppia: A dramatic and sophisticated dish. The striking black colour comes from squid ink, which also lends a subtle, briny flavour. This is typically made with tender pieces of squid or cuttlefish.
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Sausage and Red Wine Risotto: Hearty and robust. Crumbled Italian sausage (salsiccia) and a splash of red wine give this risotto a deep, savoury flavour that is incredibly satisfying on a chilly evening.
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Radicchio and Gorgonzola Risotto: A beautiful balance of bitter and creamy. The peppery notes of radicchio are mellowed by the melting, pungent Gorgonzola cheese, creating a complex and sophisticated flavour profile.
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Pea and Pancetta Risotto: A crowd-pleaser for all ages. Sweet peas and crispy pancetta are a match made in heaven, providing a wonderful combination of textures and flavours.
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Tomato and Basil Risotto: A taste of summer. Ripe cherry tomatoes burst with flavour, and fresh basil adds a fragrant, aromatic finish. It's a simple yet incredibly comforting dish.
Don’t Let the Leftovers Go to Waste!
One of the best things about a good risotto is that it gives birth to another Italian classic: Arancini. These are fried rice balls, typically stuffed with a delicious filling like mozzarella, ragù, or peas. The creamy leftover risotto is shaped into balls, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried until golden and crispy. They are the perfect snack or appetiser.
And for a truly unique and regional treat, there's Torta di Riso. This is a sweet rice cake, often a dessert, made by baking leftover risotto with ingredients like sugar, candied fruit, or spices. It transforms the savoury into something wonderfully sweet and is a great way to show off the versatility of our Carnaroli rice.
So, we invite you to explore the endless possibilities of Italian cooking with Carluccio’s Carnaroli rice. Whether you're making a classic creamy risotto or getting creative with leftovers, you'll find that our Carnaroli rice is the perfect foundation for all your culinary adventures.
Buon appetito!
