Indulge in a creamy, dreamy bowl of Courgette Risotto with Parma Ham that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy! This delightful dish combines the rich flavors of savory Parma ham with the fresh, vibrant taste of courgettes, creating a culinary masterpiece that’s both comforting and elegant. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive gathering, this risotto is surprisingly easy to make and will leave your guests asking for seconds. Ready to elevate your cooking game? Dive into this recipe and discover the secrets to achieving the perfect risotto!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 courgettes, diced
- 100g Parma ham, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the courgettes, chop the onion, and slice the Parma ham into strips. Grate the Parmesan cheese and set it aside.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the chicken broth over low heat. Keep it warm throughout the cooking process, as adding cold broth can slow down the cooking of the risotto.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft.
- Add the diced courgettes to the pan with the onions. Sauté them for another 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and slightly caramelize.
- Stir in the Arborio rice, ensuring it is well coated with the oil and mixed with the vegetables. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the edges of the grains become translucent.
- Begin adding the warm chicken broth to the rice mixture, one ladleful at a time. Stir continuously and allow the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more broth. This process will take about 18-20 minutes.
- Once the rice is creamy and al dente, stir in the sliced Parma ham and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese has melted and the ham is heated through.
- Season the risotto with salt and pepper to taste. Be cautious with the salt, as the Parmesan and Parma ham can add saltiness to the dish.
- Remove the risotto from heat and let it sit for a minute before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the courgette risotto warm, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian dish!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To streamline the cooking process, prepare all your ingredients beforehand. Chop the courgettes, onion, and Parma ham, and have your broth warmed up and ready to go. This will help you focus on the cooking without interruptions.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality Arborio rice and fresh Parma ham for the best flavor. The quality of your ingredients can significantly impact the final dish.
- Stir Constantly: As you add the broth, remember to stir continuously. This helps release the starch from the rice, giving the risotto its signature creamy texture.
- Don’t Rush the Broth: Allow the rice to absorb the broth fully before adding more. This slow process is key to achieving the perfect al dente texture.
- Taste as You Go: Since the Parmesan and Parma ham can be salty, taste your risotto before adding extra salt. Adjust seasoning as needed for a balanced flavor.
- Finishing Touch: For an extra touch of luxury, finish your risotto with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving.
- Serve Immediately: Risotto is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve it right after cooking for the creamiest experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 35mg
